Velma Margaret Zimmerman, age 80, of Rochelle died April 29, 2017 at her home with her family at her side. She was born July 11, 1936 in Deer Grove, IL, daughter of Fred J. and Edith Heeren. Velma attended a one-room school house in Deer Grove through eighth grade then graduated from Tampico High School in 1954. She worked at Caron Spinning in Rochelle until she stayed home to raise her family. Member of St. Patrick Catholic Church where she volunteered for over 30 years. Over the years, Velma was a den mother for cub scouts; built and remodeled doll houses; a member of the St Patrick's Resurrection Choir and 3J's and the Flock singing at nursing homes, and her nickname was "Bag Lady" for her efforts to bring comfort to family and friends in need.

She is survived by her five children: Richard "Zip" Zimmerman, Rochelle, IL, Theresa Zimmerman, DeKalb, IL, Karen (Jim) Sharpe, St. Charles, MO, Robert Zimmerman, Lafayette, CO, and Janet (Lon) Rago, Elgin, IL; 2 brothers: Francis "Bud" (Mildred) Heeren, Sierra Vista, AZ, and Donald (Delores) Heeren, Rock Falls, IL; 2 sisters: Clara (Frederick) Dobbeke, Deer Grove, IL, and Emma (Troy) Jones, Wynne, AR; and 2 sister-in-laws: Rita Heeren and Rita Jean Heeren. She is predeceased by her parents, 2 brothers: Fred W. "Pete" Heeren and Norman "Butch" Heeren, and 4 sisters: Ila Lewis, Mary Pletsch, Mavis Garland, Priscilla Shelton.

Visitation at Unger Horner Funeral Home, Rochelle, IL, Wednesday, May 3 ^rd , 4-8pm with funeral Mass at St. Patrick's Church, Rochelle, IL, Thursday, May 4 ^th , 10:30 am, with Father Ruben Herrera officiating and burial at St. Patrick's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the American Lung Association and the Oregon Serenity Hospice and Home. Guestbook at www.UngerHorner.com