Warren Thomas Zimmerman ,87, of Lakewood, CO, passed away on December 22, 2022, with his family by his side.
Warren was born on the family farm in Schoenchen, Kansas to German speaking parents, Joseph and Catherine (Stoecklein) Zimmerman, on March 7th, 1935. He was the 3rd oldest of seven children, 3 boys and 4 girls. As a child, Warren grew up in Kansas farming wheat and raising cattle with his father and brothers. His mother and sisters also worked on the farm. He attended Schoenchen Grade School for 8 years followed by attendance at Schoenchen High School with graduation in 1953. In his youth, he joined the Glee Club and sang in the church choir. After graduation, Warren was drafted into the United States Army and served the Army National Guard for 6 years. Warren married Sheila Mae Brull on Nov 28, 1959 in St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Hays, Kansas. Shortly after their marriage, Warren and Sheila relocated to Denver, Colorado where Warren obtained employment with the U.S. Post Office remaining for nearly 34 years until retirement in 1999. Warren and Sheila remained married more than 63 years.
Throughout his life, Warren was a devout Christian and dedicated charter member of St. Jude Catholic Church in Lakewood, Colorado. He had a strong love for his family and German heritage, attended church regularly and traveled often. Warren and Sheila travelled extensively to many different countries. Some of the highlights of their travels include receiving a blessing from the Pope while attending a Papal audience in Rome, visiting Assisi Italy, and Fatima, Portugal.
Warren and Sheila frequently returned to the family farms in Kansas with their own children, Kerry and Jackie. Warren stayed involved in farming wheat in both Kansas and Colorado throughout his lifetime. He gave generously of his time, attention and financial support to his family. Warren and Sheila frequently worked on the family home and various rental properties while teaching young son, Kerry, how to maintain and make repairs to the properties imparting lessons which he carried into his adult life. Warren, along with Sheila, spent much time with daughter Jackie helping her care for her horse Daisy, and participating in “Westernnaires,” an organization based on horsemanship and family participation.
During Warren’s retirement, he cared for his young granddaughter Morgan and grandson Nick, frequently taking them to school, swimming and caring for them much of their younger years. Warren spent much time with wife Sheila, daughter Jackie, son-in-law Joe, grandchildren Morgan and Nicholas “Nick” in Arvada at the family home in Lakewood making frequent trips to Las Vegas and spending time there with son Kerry and daughter-in-law Helen.
Warren is survived by his wife, Sheila (Brull) of Lakewood. His son Kerry (Helen), daughter Jacqueline “Jackie” (Joseph) Wagner, granddaughter Morgan Wagner, grandson Nicholas Wagner, brother Willard, sister Bernadette Weaver, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father Joseph Zimmerman, mother Catherine (Stoecklein), brother Clayton Zimmerman, sisters Delores Legleiter, Janice Romme and Anna Mae Pfannenstiel.
Visitation and funeral service will be held at St. Jude Catholic Church 9405 W Florida Ave., Lakewood, CO 80232 on January 3, 2023. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 12801 West 44th Ave., Wheat Ridge, CO 80033.
In lieu of flowers the family is asking that a Mass be offered on Warren’s behalf. Or if you prefer to send a donation, the family is requesting donations payable to St. Jude Catholic Church in Lakewood, CO.
Warren, a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather and father-in-law, son and brother, lived a life dedicated to family and church. His loving countenance, ready smile, and supportive nature will be greatly cherished and missed by all who loved him. We will always carry a special memory of him in our hearts. “Ich wuenschen euch ein…Langes leben, Gesundheit, Frienden und eineikeit, Und nach dem tod, Ewige.” From the Volga-German tradition of Wunsching that Warren enjoyed retelling his grandchildren translated, “I wish you…long life, good health, peace and friendship, and after death, eternal life.”