Kathryn Jeanne Zimmerman Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce our dear mother, Kathryn Jeanne Zimmerman, has passed. She was 87 years old.
Jeanne was the only child of Walter and Lillian (Meyer) Bassett. She grew up in West Bend, Wisconsin. Treasured childhood memories include visits to the Meyer family farm in Campbellsport, numerous trips on the train, board games, and large holiday gatherings with extended family.
It was in band at West Bend High School that Jeanne met her future husband, Allen. They both played the clarinet. Allen's chair, in the front row, was often teasingly poked by Jeanne. She got his attention! When Allen returned home after serving in the Army, they married and moved to Wauwatosa.
Jeanne attended UW-Milwaukee where she studied to be an educator, like her mother. Jeanne taught kindergarten in the Kenosha and Milwaukee Public Schools for many years. Not one to ever sit still, in retirement she worked at the Wisconsin State Fair, took yoga classes at the YMCA, was active in her church, volunteered as an usher at local theaters, and played monthly card games with dear friends. She enjoyed baking – her cookie jar was always full. She loved animals and was forever filling her bird feeders. Before neighborhood walks, she would load her pockets with dog treats.
After 61 years in her home and an Alzheimer's diagnosis at age 86, Jeanne moved to a senior facility in Wauwatosa. There, she made new friends and enjoyed the creative activities provided.
Jeanne and Allen had two children: Kathy (John Wetzel) of Madison and Paul of Waukesha. They were proud grandparents of Ryan Wetzel, Erika Wetzel, and Alyssa Zimmerman. Jeanne will be greeted in Heaven by her husband, parents, and many dear friends and family members.
We will miss Mom terribly but are comforted by the thought of our parents united again and making music together in Heaven. Our family would like to thank the staff at Oak Park Place in Wauwatosa for their compassionate care and the team at Preceptor Hospice who looked after Mom in her last month.
There will be a private celebration of Jeanne's life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jeanne's memory to the Alzheimer's Association or the Humane Society.
