Walter Zimmerman (Wally), a cherished husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2025, after a long battle with heart disease. Born on October 18, 1938, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Ludwig and Katherine Zimmerman, he filled his 86 years with laughter, optimism, and an unwavering spirit of friendliness that touched everyone he met.

Wally's journey began in Cleveland, where his early life was marked by baseball, boy scouts, canoeing, and academic achievement. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University, where he wrestled, played football and was an active member of Phi Kappa Theta.

It was at one of these fraternity mixers where he met the love of his life, Barb. In fact, Barb had two dates at that mixer, but Wally easily won her over. They soon married on August 29th, 1959 at just 20 years old in Cleveland, Ohio.

His first job took them to Springfield Massachusetts, where he started his career in research for Monsanto. He then completed a Masters in Chemical Engineering from UMass Amherst, further solidifying his expertise and passion for the field.

Anyone who knows Wally, knows he has a gift for gab, and he soon made a transition from research to selling plastics, continuing work for Monsanto, Mobil, and BASF. His work took him and his family from Springfield to St. Louis, back to Ohio and finally to Trout Valley, Illinois, where he laid roots for the last 48 years.

Wally's zest for life was evident in his diverse interests and hobbies. While living in Massachusetts, he embraced the outdoors with tennis and skiing, and even built an A-frame in Vermont, exemplifying his hands-on approach and love for adventure. His commitment to community was demonstrated through his founding of the Cary Soccer Association, where he coached with enthusiasm, and made it his mission that girls play tough!

Later in life, Wally developed a love for golf, which for him was more about the camaraderie and the social interaction than the sport itself. He continued to play tennis, became a masterful bridge player, a devoted Corgi owner, enjoyed fishing in Sanibel Island, and remained an avid reader, always keen to learn and engage in lively discussions.

Wally coined himself the "Cardiac Kid", after surviving a heart attack (age 41), which led to progressive heart failure and tachycardia. This all finally led to a lifesaving implantation of an LVAD (Left ventricular assist device) at age 72. He became one of the longest living LVAD patients thanks to his excellent team of doctors.

One has to believe that these events gave Wally his optimistic outlook on life. He approached every day with a smile on his face and a silly joke. These qualities were infectious, making him a beloved figure in both his professional and personal circles. His friendly demeanor ensured that he never met a stranger, only friends he hadn't yet gotten to know.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and joy, survived by his wife of 65 years, Barbara Zimmerman, who was his partner in every sense of the word. His memory will be cherished by his sons, Denny and Doug Zimmerman, and his daughter, Laurie Zimmerman Schmitt. His grandchildren, Theo, Zoe, Stella, and Elizabeth, will miss their grandfather's playful wit and boundless affection.

Wally's life will be celebrated in a manner befitting the joy and laughter he brought to friends and family, with stories and memories shared by those who loved him. This celebration will take place on March 29th, at the Cary Country Club from 12-3pm.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the American Heart Association https://www.heart.org/