Charles Zimmer

Charles H. Zimmer, age 74 of Mason City, Nebraska died November 25, 2015 in Kearney, Nebraska. Funeral services will be held Saturday November 28, 2015 at 10 a.m. at the Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Kearney, Nebraska with Father Paul Colling and Father Jim Hunt officiating. Rosary services will be Friday evening at 7 p.m. at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Broken Bow with Father Jim Hunt officiating. Burial will be in the Black Hill Creek Cemetery south of Mason City, Nebraska. Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Charles Zimmer was born January 10th, 1941 south of Mason City, in Custer County, Nebraska to Clement and Louisa (Langer) Zimmer. He attended the Zimmer School south of Mason City and then graduated from Mason City High School. On September 14th, 1963 Charles married Judy Cliffton. They made their home in Mason City, where Charles started the Zimmer Garage and worked as a mechanic. Charles enjoyed working on and restoring cars and Motel T’s. He served Mason City as Mayor and Fire Chief at various times. Charles loved music, from singing to playing the piano, guitar, trombone and just about any instrument, including the accordion. He enjoyed playing for his church, the Beechville Band, Maverick Band, and Kearney Band, especially when his grandsons could join him. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. He lived life to the fullest by always having projects in the works, one of which included the barn. By taking down old barns panel by panel he rebuilt them into barn for his cars. Every year he hosted a Barn Party for his friends and family where many memories were shared. When he wasn’t outside he would be reading books ranging from the history of World War II to westerns. Charles will be remembered by his family and friends for his selfless personality. He was a gentle, patient man with a kind heart who would help anyone in need. Charles is survived by his wife Judy Zimmer of Mason City, NE., three daughters Monica (Charles) Watts of Ansley, NE, Julie (John) Carreiro of Rapid City, SD, and Joanna (Tim) Dingman of Sioux Falls, SD, nine grandchildren Kevin (Emily), Kelsey (Scott), Kate, Elizabeth, Matthew, Steven, Ethan, Abby, David and two great grandchildren, Ayden and Kenna. Two brothers Jim (Joan) Zimmer of Mason City, NE, Phillip (Donna) Zimmer of Mason City, NE, four sisters Loretta Lovitt of Mason City, NE, Phyllis Zimmer of Mason City, NE, Betty Van Dyke of St. Paul, NE, and Dorothy (James) Clark of Kearney, NE. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, two sons Mike and Stephen, and a brother Bernard.