Elmer W. "Porky" Zimmerman, age 92, passed away at home in Pella on Monday, March 20, 2023. Elmer was born on August 7, 1930, in the Town of Waukechon, Shawano County, to the late William and Hildegarde (Fredrick) Zimmerman. After graduating from school Elmer was drafted into the United States Army and served his country honorably in Korea receiving a purple heart.  On May 21, 1955, Elmer was united in marriage to Patricia "Pat" A. Lohrentz at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Pella. Pat preceded Elmer in death on April 19, 2017.  Elmer worked at Pressed Steel Tank Company in Milwaukee and then Aarrow Electric in Shawano for many years before retiring.  He was hard-working and friendly, he loved people and was always willing to lend a helping hand. His love was all encompassing, and he had the special ability to make his family and friends feel his kindness and love with a mischievous wink, a contagious grin, or some good-natured teasing.  He gave numerous nicknames to his children's friends throughout the years.  In his free time, he enjoyed reading and tending to his vegetable garden.  Elmer was a wonderful father and grandfather and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Elmer is survived by: five children, Debbie Zimmerman, Cindy (Jesus) Estrada, Wendy (Dale) Schultz, Rick (Kris) Zimmerman and Ron (Jes) Zimmerman; grandchildren, Jesse (Joanna) Estrada, Mario Estrada, Migiel Estrada, Selina (Taylor Valdez) Domenech, Jay (Angie) Schultz, Christy (AJ) Mehlberg, Fawn (Nate) Schultz, Jena (Marcus) Lendved, Zoë Zimmerman, Alexia Zimmerman, Nicole Jordan, Deon (Brian) Dey, Tina Lintner, and Chad (Shelly) Olson; great grandchildren, Kyle, Brea, Samanna, Alex, Joseph, Gabriella, Ariana, Aden, Audrina, Easton, Mya, Georgia, Leo, Eli, Cody, Evan, Jack, Jesse, Jr., and Josephine; a great great grandson, Brantly; siblings Betty Christiansen, Lorraine Lohrentz, Sally Peterson, Nancy Laude, and Bill Zimmerman; and brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Dale (Jean) Lohrentz and Arnold Kutchenriter. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by: his wife, Pat Zimmerman; his daughter, Sherry Zimmerman; his parents, William and Hildegarde; siblings Mary Firgens, John Zimmerman, Dorothy Bowan, Janet Romberg, Ruth Kutchenriter, and Fred Zimmerman, Sr.; and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Funeral services for Elmer will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Pella with Rev. Tim Lofgren officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 10:30am until the time of the service.