Vilas J. Zimmerman, Sr

Vilas J. Zimmerman, Sr., 75, Marathon, died Thursday, February 5, 2009 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, Wausau. He was born May 23, 1933 in town of Kronenwetter, son of the late August and Bertha (Schmidt) Zimmerman. On June 27, 1959 he married Wanda Tesch at Our Savior Evangelical Church, Wausau. He was a veteran of the United States Army serving in the Korean War. Vilas worked at Marathon Electric. He was a ginseng farmer and enjoyed his hobby farm. Beside the outdoors, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren. Survivors include his wife, Wanda Zimmerman, Marathon, seven children, Vilas Zimmerman Jr., Marathon, Craig Zimmerman, Phoenix, Ariz., Tammy (Gary) Salber, Marathon, Rodney Zimmerman, Wausau, Connie (Mike) Sulzer, Rib Mountain, Patricia (Dennis) Hornung, Wausau, Colleen (Andrew) Reese, Wilmette, Ill., Eleven grandchildren, Jamie and Melissa Zimmerman, Tonya Neuman, Timothy and Travis Salber, Kaile Zimmerman, Matthew Sulzer, Marc and Brad Hornung, Nora and Muriel Reese, two great grandchildren, Audrianna Hackbarth and Sophia Neuman, six siblings, Arvilla (Sid) Jacobson, West Allis, Lawrence (Angie) Zimmerman, Weston, Mildred Strassman, Wausau, Grace Genrich, Wausau, Bernice (Lyle) Jones, Wausau, Earl (Jean) Zimmerman, Osseo and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, six siblings, Clyde Schmidt, Helen Lewis, Leroy Zimmerman, Lucille Zimmerman, Victor Zimmerman, Delbert Zimmerman and great granddaughter, Tessa Neuman. Funeral Services will be 12:30 p.m. Monday, February 9, 2009 at St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church, 712 Second Street, Marathon. Rev. Jon W. Hadler will officiate. Burial will be in St. Matthew Lutheran Cemetery, Marathon. Friends may call from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Sunday at the church and again from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday at the church. There will be a 6:45 p.m. prayer service on Sunday at the church Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com