Edward A. Zimmerman

Edward Albert “Bud” Zimmerman, age 80, of Dowling, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior following a long illness on Thursday, September 21, 2023, under hospice care, surrounded by his loving family.  He was born on June 3, 1943, in Battle Creek, Michigan, son of Ray Edward and Isabell Margaret (Huntley) Zimmerman, both of whom preceded him in death. He graduated from Hastings High School where he was an active member of the Future Farmers of America organization.  He then served his country in the United States Army, in Germany, during the Vietnam War Era.  Edward worked in several capacities during his lifetime including a welder/blacksmith at EW Bliss Manufacturing in Hastings and Groundskeeping and Maintenance at the VA facility in Battle Creek.  His life-long calling was being a farmer, which he did throughout his life. Ed exchanged vows with Wanda Lee Huyck on May 20, 1967, at Kalamazoo Missionary Church shortly after his return home from the service and has shared 56 years of marriage with her. He has attended Emmet Street Missionary Church for many years and recently switched membership to Kalamazoo Missionary Church to attend with family.  Ed “Bud” Zimmerman loved the Lord, his wife, and his family, and was a man that was faithful in his work and commitments, prioritizing the care of his family.   

In addition to his dear wife, Wanda, Edward leaves his children Jolyn (Sean) Safron of Hurley, New York, Yolanda (Jack) Shafer of Grand Rapids, daughter-in-law, Jennifer Zimmerman of Grand Rapids, Alyce (Eric Smeader) Zimmerman of Kalamazoo, and Eli (Lisa) Zimmerman of Dowling; grandchildren Jayna (Michael) Hambrick, Mira Safron, Taylor (Zack Lorenzen) Zimmerman, Kyle (Victoria) Shafer, Julia Safron, Jared Shafer, Elaina Shafer, Aaron Zimmerman, Ryan Zimmerman and Annalyse Zimmerman; and 3 great grandchildren. Edward also leaves his youngest sister, Loriane Haines Ogden of Missouri. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Bryant Zimmerman, sisters, Mary Jane Graw, Margaret Hollister and Georgia Smith, a brother, Aaron Zimmerman, and brothers-in-law, Norman Haines, Chuck Ogden, Cliff Graw, Bernard Hollister, and Ted Smith.  
    
Interment with Military Honors will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, October 6, 2023. A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Kalamazoo Missionary Church, 5045 E. Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49048, with a luncheon to follow. For additional information, please contact Verdun Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Belding at (616) 794-1300.