Rochelle

William "Bill" H. Zimmerman, 91, of Rochelle, passed away Sunday, July 12, 2020 at the Serenity Hospice Home in Oregon. He was born March 30, 1929 in Rochelle, the son of August and Carrie (Sechler) Zimmerman. He married Carole Priess on October 21, 1951 at the First Presbyterian Church in Rochelle.

Bill met his future wife at the Double E Drive-In in Creston where she worked as a carhop. After a lengthy pursuit, he finally got a date with her and the rest was history. After graduation from RTHS, Bill worked for Del Monte and retired after 37 years on the job. He was instrumental in the implementation of computerized systems for Del Monte's payroll. In retirement, Bill worked at Swenson Spreader as personnel manager. He also worked for the Flagg Township Tax Assessor where he helped set up their computer system. Music has always been a big part of Bill's life, starting when he played trumpet in the RTHS band. He played trumpet with the Lloyd Zimmer Trio and later with the Uniques. He also played trumpet with the Rochelle City Band and served as their president for many years. Bill enjoyed playing with the German band in parades in many surrounding communities. One of Bill's favorite hobbies was fishing. He looked forward to his yearly two week trip to the northern lakes of Wisconsin with his family. Bill was a member of the Rochelle First Presbyterian Church where he taught Sunday School and was currently one of the longest running members of the church.

Bill is survived by his wife of 68 years, Carole; three children, Bradley (Jan) Zimmerman of Rice Lake, WI, Anne (Rick) Mott of Lindenwood, IL, and Lori (Dan McDermott) Bearrows of Rochelle; nine grandchildren, Jason (Kailee) Zimmerman, Ryan (Amanda Ellis) Zimmerman, Paul (Janel) Mott, Christine (Ryan) Schweitzer, Julie (Lance) Charnock, Amanda Bearrows, Tom (Melissa) Fletcher, Megan (Mike) Specht, and Patrick (Maria) McDermott; and eighteen great-grandchildren.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, August and Carrie Zimmerman, and two sisters, Irma Lu Madden and Mary June Anderson.

A private family funeral service will take place at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, July 16, 2020, at the Rochelle First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Doug Forsberg officiating. The service will be live streamed on the Unger Horner Funeral Home Facebook page. Interment will follow in Lawnridge Cemetery in Rochelle. Contributions in Bill's memory may be directed to the Rochelle First Presbyterian Church or Serenity Hospice and Home of Oregon, IL.