Howard "Howie" Christian Zimmermann

Howard C. Zimmermann, age 82, passed away Sunday, September 5, 2021, at St. Mary’s Memory Care Unit, Manitowoc, WI. Howie was born September 27, 1938 in Milwaukee, son of Elmer and Adeline (Carstens) Zimmermann. Following his father’s death in 1943, the family moved back to Manitowoc County where he graduated from First German Ev. Lutheran School and Lincoln High School with the class of 1956.

Howie was a very active member of First German Congregation, where he was confirmed and served as an usher and on various boards throughout the years.

While in high school Howie started working at the Manitowoc Herald Times where he was employed for 46 years, most of them as a journeyman pressman. It was there he met Suzanne Pritzl. Howie and Susie were married November 14, 1964 and were married 56 years.

An avid sports fan, Howie played fast pitch and slow pitch softball for many years and coached his children when they played. Loving basketball, he was a referee for more than 30 years, officiating games from elementary school through high school and college, being especially proud of officiating at the girls’ state tournament.

After retirement Howie enjoyed many more years driving school bus for Brandt Buses. He loved the kids and they loved him. He especially enjoyed driving the Lincoln High School girls’ volleyball team to all their games for several years.

Howie and Susie were blessed with four wonderful children and their spouses: Lisa (Jerry) Schuh, Stacy (Robert) Jacques, Bradley Zimmermann and Jarrod (Rhonda) Zimmermann, and eight grandchildren he was so proud of: Mara (fiancé Trevor Powell), Zachary and Jacob (special friend Haley) Schuh; Vann (special friend Maggie), Jada Jacques and Jenna Jacques (special friend Daniel); and Kale and Jace Zimmermann.  A great-grandson is expected in November.

In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, he is survived by brother-in-law and sisters-in-law: Norbert Pritzl, Marie Schermetzler, Anna Mae Cornils, Geraldine (David) Brouchoud, Eunice (Leroy) Beilke, Monica Herzog, Paul Pritzl, Edward (Ann) Pritzl, Kathryn (Ronald) Krupski and Donald (Joyce) Pritzl. Also surviving are numerous nephews and nieces, close friends and fellow referees.

In addition to his mother and father, he was preceded in death by an infant brother, Gerhardt, his step-father Edgar Beeck, one sister and brother-in-law Beatrice (Ervin) Schultz, father-in-law and mother-in-law John & Mary Pritzl, and one infant grandson Samuel Howard Schuh.  Also, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Othmar (Laura) Pritzl, Agatha (Edward) Leist, Irene (Joseph) Oswald, Rita Pritzl, Bernard Schermetzler, John M. Pritzl, Robert Herzog, Violet Pritzl and Roger Cornils.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 10, 2021 at First German Ev. Lutheran Church, 1033 S. 8th Street, Manitowoc, WI. Officiating at the service will be the Rev. Mark Johnston. Howie will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Clarks Mills.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at the Pfeffer Funeral Home, 928 S. 14th Street, Manitowoc. The visitation will continue on Friday, September 10, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the church.  

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com

The Pfeffer Funeral Home of Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

Howie’s family would like to express special thanks and appreciation for the extra-ordinary care and compassion given to him and our family over the past 2 ½ years by all the angels at St. Mary’s Memory Care Unit. “Not all angels have wings. Some of them wear scrubs.”

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