Timothy "Tim" Verne Zimmerman

Pekin ~ Timothy Verne Zimmerman, 89, of Pekin, passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Pekin Manor. He was born on July 28, 1937, in Pekin, a son of Henry Karl Zimmerman and Dorothy Christine (Tuffentsamer) Zimmerman. Tim married Sharon Kay Riviere on October 18, 1958, in Pekin. She survives.

He is also survived by his son, Kevin Douglas (Rodi) Zimmerman of Newtown, Connecticut; his grandson, Malcolm Zimmerman of Newtown, Connecticut; one brother Jay David (Jeanne) Zimmerman of Washington; sister-in-law, Ginger Riviere of Pekin; and several nieces and nephews.

Tim was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers-in-law, Larry, Terry, and Jim Riviere; one sister-in-law; and several nieces and nephews.

He was a graduate of Pekin Community High School, Class of 1955. Tim received his Associates Degree in Applied Science - Diesel Powered Equipment Technology from ICC in 1981.

Tim was a firefighter for the City of Pekin Fire Department for 26 years, retiring in 1987. He served as a firefighter for 12 years, then a captain mechanic for 10 years, and lastly as a line captain for four years. Tim also worked as a part-time delivery driver for Greenhouse Flower Shoppe after retirement for several years.

He was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Bartonville, serving as an usher, a member of the Bethel Brotherhood and the Property Committee for many years. Tim was a member of the Pekin Firefighters IAFF Local 524 and the IARF Pekin Chapter, serving as past president for many years.

Tim loved to read, solve crossword puzzles, and was involved with many bowling leagues. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and of NASCAR racing. For many years, Malcolm and Papa's tradition was building Lincoln Log projects.