Henry C Zimmerman Jr

Henry Clifford Zimmerman Jr., 82, of Gaylord and formally of Mancelona passed away peacefully at home on April 7, 2025 with his wife Alice by his side. He was born on February 1, 1943 in Boyne City MI and was the son of Henry and Mary (Merbs) Zimmerman. He attended school in Boyne City before being drafted into the military.

A proud Vietnam War Veteran, Henry served his country with honor and bravery, carrying the values of duty, service, and sacrifice with him throughout his life. His time as a helicopter mechanic in the army, shaped him into a resilient, compassionate, hardworking man, which were qualities that he passed on to his children and grandchildren.

He spent 33 years working for DURA Automotive Systems in East Jordan where he held several different roles in the manufacturing process. Henry loved being outdoors, whether it was gardening, mowing his lawn, blowing snow, or tinkering with a garage sale treasure.

As a grandpa, he was simply the best! His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he enjoyed spending as much time with them as he possibly could. Whether it was casting a line in the water, camping, rides on the side by side, or sharing his endless collection of jokes and stories, he made every moment unforgettable. His sense of humor was infectious, and he could always be counted on to bring a smile to your face with one of his funny jokes. Nothing was more important to Henry than his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Mary Zimmerman, stepfather Maynard Brown, and siblings Bill Zimmerman, Bernadine DeBaene, Clyde Zimmerman, and Norma Johnecheck.

Henry is survived by his wife Alice of 37 years, as well as his children, Darren Zimmerman of Eaton Rapids MI, Kevin Zimmerman of Boyne Falls MI, Danielle (Dave) Schmoldt of Onaway, and LeAnn Howard (Kyle Shelly) of Gaylord; his grandchildren Thereseann, Ryan, Kyrsha, Collin, Olivia, Zach, Hailey, Kiercelyn, and Kyah; and his great grandchildren Ariya, Akshay, Shakti, Owen, as well another great grandson due in July. He is also survived by his sister Maryann Baker, former wife Mabel Howard, as well as numerous nieces and nephews that meant so much to him.

The family will receive friends Friday, April 11th from 6-8 pm at the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, April 12th at 11:00 am at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Fr. Matthew Cowan presiding. Interment will follow in Chapman Cemetery, Custer Township. Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Salvation Army.

Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.