ZIMMER: Henry Gerhardt
July 3, 1931 β April 3, 2017
Henry passed away on Monday, April 3, 2017, at his Muenster, SK, residence, surrounded by his loving family. He was 85 years of age. Henry was born on Friday, July 3, 1931, at home on the family farm near Annaheim, SK. He was the youngest son of Emmerich and Julianna (nee Wachtler) Zimmer who had emigrated from Hungary in 1926. Henry attended school at St. Gertrude where he began his education and enjoyment of sports. He started his career as a lumberjack in Ontario, then completed his chauffer license to drive truck and worked in road construction including, Highway #5 between the junction and Saskatoon. After marrying Elaine Loehr on June 6, 1955, they began their life together in Alida, where Henry worked in the oil industry. Henry and Elaine then returned home to continue farming and took over the Loehr homestead north of St. Gertrude where Damian and Brenda live today. Henryβs love of learning carried on throughout his life, including education in electrical, becoming a journeyman welder, and a talented mechanic. He also worked for the rural municipalities of LeRoy and Wolverine as a foreman and a euclid operator. In 1976, Henry started Zimmer Backhoe Service working magic with his backhoe and building works of art on the landscaping side, which resulted in satisfied clients and numerous lasting friendships. Henry was also very active as a social justice and environmental volunteer and was involved with the National Farmersβ Union, New Democratic Party, Conservation and Development, Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, Vintage Club, Muenster Elks, and Civic Air Search and Rescue, to name a few. Two of his retirement passions were making maple syrup every spring and supplying his family and friends with homemade hand-picked berry wines, a talent he learned from his dad. Henry enjoyed playing crib and giving hugs. He was very active in the St. Gertrude Church and community. When Henry and Elaine moved to Muenster in 1979, he also became involved in the choir, church council and was active in the Cathedral renovations. Henry will be busy in Heaven having Sunday brunches and visiting with his Mom and Dad and siblings: Joe, Emmerich, Sebastian, Mary, and finally meeting his big sister Hermina. He will also be making time for card games and stories with his in-laws: Barney and Bertha, Wilfred, Cliff, Theresa, Hans, Rose, Tony, Anna, and Helen. Henry will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years, ELAINE (nee Loehr) Zimmer; their three daughters, two sons, 16 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren: Marilee (Warren) Sterner and family, Trevor (Meghan) Sterner [Mila, Kyra and Liam], Tarell Sterner (Leaha) [Rhett and Ryker], and Jared (Kaitlyn) Sterner; Damian (Brenda) Zimmer and family, Cory Zimmer (Heather), Carryn (Rob) Berk [Justine, Dylan and Jaymin], Jeff (Gemma) Zimmer [Emery]; James (Jeanette) Zimmer and family, Brad (Johanna) Zimmer [Kinzie], Dave Zimmer (Virginia), Steve Zimmer, Jeana (Chris) Reed [Charla]; Bernie (Marcel) Doepker and family,Β Leah Doepker (Dustin) [Jaxyn and Kaine], Todd (Martina) Doepker, and Tyler Doepker (Darcie); and Marina (Rod) Haugerud and children Tawnya (Levi) FriesenΒ [Ryenne and Bennett], Jarvis Painter and Jeremy Painter. βGrandpa had a very special bond with all of his grandchildren and great- grandchildren, as well as with his two bonus grandchildren, Ryan and Heather, and their parents Greg and Val Graf. In addition, Uncle Henry had a special place in his heart for all his nieces and nephews. Henry will also be sorely missed by his brother, John (Dorothy) Zimmer; brother-in-law, Don (Bonnie) Loehr; and by sisters-in-law: Evelyn Engele, Yvonne Cody, and Kathleen (Max) Mueller. The most important thing to Dad was family β sharing hugs, supporting, sharing knowledge and history.β The Prayer Service for Henry was held at St. Peterβs R.C. Cathedral, Muenster, on Friday, April 7, 2017, at 7:00 p.m., led by Fr. Paul Paproski, OSB. Others taking part were: Tyler Doepker, scripture reader; Don Loehr, Grant Engele and Rod Haugerud, words of remembrance; Dave Zimmer and Virginia Martens, memorial table attendants. Music ministry was provided by director Gail Rueve and organist Denise Germain. The Funeral Mass was offered at St. Peterβs R.C. Cathedral on Saturday, April 8, 2017, at 10:00 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Paul Paproski, OSB, and concelebrated by Fr. Lawrence DeMong, OSB, and Fr. Daniel Muyres, OSB. Others taking part were: Jeremy Painter, crossbearer; Jack Marksteiner and Nick Schweighardt, altar servers; Brad Zimmer and Trevor Sterner, scripture readers; Leah Doepker, Jared Sterner, Jarvis Painter, Tarell Sterner and Tawnya Friesen, intentions; Carryn Berk and Jeff Zimmer, giftbearers; Todd and Martina Doepker, memorial table attendants. The urnbearers were Cory Zimmer and Justine Berk. Music ministry was provided by director Christie Waldner, organist Denise Germain, and members of the St. Peterβs Cathedral Choir. Interment followed at St. Gertrude R.C. Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to either the St. Gertrude R.C. Cemetery Fund [P.O. Box 4043, Humboldt, SK, S0K 2A0], or Development and PeaceΒ [1425 RenΓ©-LΓ©vesque Blvd. West, 3rdΒ Floor, Montreal, QC, H3G 1T7]. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.
