In loving memory of

Suzanne E. Zimmer
December 13, 1925 - October 3, 2012

Madison - On October 3, 2012, Suzanne Zimmer passed away, just one day after her 66th wedding anniversary. She was truly a blessing to all who knew her, but especially her husband, her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends.

Suzanne was born Edith Suzanne Peters on December 13, 1925 to Perry Peters and Helen Tracy Peters in Gregory, South Dakota. In 1932 she moved with her family to Marshfield, WI. She graduated from Marshfield High School in 1943 and went to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she studied home economics. It was there she met Lowell D. Zimmer, also from Marshfield, as they rode the bus back and forth from Madison to Marshfield. She and "L.D." were married on October 2, 1946. They were proud to tell of their early year's together living in Badger Village while L.D. finished school and where they started their family.

Suzanne's "career" was her husband and five children. She was always there for them, their spouses and her grandchildren, who lovingly called her "Granny," a name and role she cherished and filled so beautifully. Her love for her family was inspirational!

Suzanne loved people and entertaining and they loved her in return. Her Happy Hours at her home, at their cottages and in Florida truly brought people within the neighborhood and area together into a unit of friends. Her second home in Ft. Meyers Beach Florida was a haven of joy and sunshine for her and Zim for six months out of every year for over 30 years. There they enjoyed establishing a second community of friends, many of whom they stayed in touch with even after they were unable to continue their annual stays there. It was a delight having family and friends come to her home(s), especially for "happy hour" and made all feel welcome and comfortable there. Her hospitality was surpassed only by her generosity and kindness.

Her loving care of her Mother, Helen, ensured Helen lived out her days as the lady she always strived to be, even when Helen's health necessitated she be in a nursing home. Even then Suzanne visited or called her daily. And when Suzanne couldn't visit, she ensured Helen was being cared for by having one of her five children check on Granny Peters.

Suzanne's other passion in life, after her family, was garage "saleing", taking family lists of needs and wants in hand each season. Many a kitchen was equipped and home decorated due to her eye for quality and shrewd negotiation skills.

Suzanne is survived by her husband, Lowell. Her five children, Greg (Sue) of Verona; Kathy (Chuck) Zastrow, Madison; Mary Miller (Roger McNiel), Middleton; Thomas (Judy), Madison; and Michael ( Mary Abalos), Mt. Horeb. Twelve grandchildren Joe Miller; Katie (Luke) Black; Jay Sachtjen; Dan (Melissa) Zimmer; Bridgette (Gregg) White; Ryan Sachtjen; Nicholas (Leah) Zimmer; Harry, Gus & Sam Zimmer; and Lindsay & Delany Zimmer. and eight great-grandchildren Olivia, Reese & Clementine Miller; Caden Black; Josephine & Noah Zimmer; and Penni & Hendrix White; and a very special caregiver, Courtney Moore; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Jeanne and Jeanne's husband, Gerry Boos; and her brother Richard and his wife Bea Peters and their son Mark.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 602 Everglade Dr., Madison on Tuesday, October 9, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. with Monsignor Donn Heiar presiding. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. A visitation will be held at ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 602 Everglade Dr., Madison, on Monday, October 8, 2012, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and at church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of mass.

The family wishes to give a special thanks to Holly of St. Thomas Aquinas, for all of her visits and prayers, and to Agrace Hospice Care.

Tributes

Your daughter....Kath wrote on Oct 27, 2012:

"Oh my dear Mother, I miss you soooo much. I will love you forever...."

Myra L Elliott wrote on Oct 7, 2012:

"Tom, Judy, Harry, Gus and Sam....sorry read about the loss of your mother, mother in law and grandma. My condolences. Even though I did not know her, she sounds like quite a lady and a very loving person."

David Zeier wrote on Oct 7, 2012:

"My condolences go out to all the Zimmer family. Mrs. Zimmer made all her kid's friends feel at home. She truly was a wonderful lady. I always remember seeing her everyday at morning mass at St. Maria Goretti. She always wore a smile."