Final Salute

MONONA – Merle Walter Zimmerman, age 92, of Monona, passed away on Thursday, April 6, 2023, at Agrace HospiceCare. He was born on June 23, 1930, in Reedsburg, Wis., the son of Walter and Mabel (Hinrichs) Zimmerman.

Merle served in the U.S. Naval Construction Force (NCF) Seabees from 1952 to 1954. He went on to graduate from the Milwaukee School of Engineering. He married Delores Hasse on Sept. 16, 1961, in Reedsburg, Wis. He was co-owner of W.O. Zimmerman Plumbing and Heating with his father and brother, until retiring in 1996.

He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, in Madison, and ASHRAE. Merle was very involved with the Boy Scouts of America, earning several awards including Eagle Scout, Silver Beaver, and Lamb Award. Merle enjoyed serving as a volunteer EMT for Monona Fire and Rescue.

Merle is survived by his wife, Delores; daughter, Anna M. (Steven) Dreger; son, Aaron M. (Karen) Zimmerman; grandchildren, Sophie R. and Peter A. Zimmerman; sister, Lettie M. (John Bullis) Zimmerman; three nephews; three great-nieces; and one great-nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Mabel; and brothers, David R., Elliot “Mark” and Lloyd G. Zimmerman.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. Burial will be private at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday.

Memorials may be made to Boy Scouts – Glacier’s Edge Council, or St. John’s Lutheran Church, 322 E. Washington Ave., Madison. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420