Martin Zimmerman

MARTIN R ZIMMERMAN

On Friday March 8, 2019, Martin R Zimmerman entered into the loving arms of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Marty was born on November 24, 1942 in Pineville, Ky. At the age of 8, Marty was adopted by Richard and Geneva Zimmerman of Cincinnati, Ohio where he grew up and attended Catholic grade school and graduated high school in Cincinnati. After graduation, in 1959, Marty joined the Marine Corps and served 4 years at Camp Pendleton, CA.

In 1968, Marty married his wife, Judy Gainsley in CA, where they raised 2 daughters. Marty managed and was a veterinary technician at several veterinary hospitals; he also worked at the Wildlife Waystation, a private animal sanctuary. Because of this profession, he became personal friends with Charlton Heston and his family; Marty oversaw all his animals.

In 1994, Marty and Judy survived the Northridge earthquake, but lost their home. They decided to move to Michigan where Judy had family. Marty continued managing veterinary hospitals in northern Michigan. After retirement, Marty worked many years as head of night security at ‘Horse Shows By the Bay’ in Williamsburg. In 2014, Marty lost his wife, Judy, to lung cancer.

Marty met Karyl Ney, in 2016, and couldn’t believe how blessed he was to find love again. They were married on November 9, 2018 and enjoyed every minute they had together. Marty loved to travel local and abroad with Karyl. They both had raised their families and were now ready for their adventure of a lifetime.

Marty returned to the Catholic Church with Karyl’s help. He loved his new found faith and eventually joined the Ministry of Eucharistic Minister.

Marty loved to play golf and watch”The Ohio State”Football and enjoyed cheering on our local team St Francis. These were some of the highlights of his summer and fall. He was a member of the NRA, and he enjoyed being an active target shooter. He also enjoyed bird watching in the back yard and Marty and Karyl adopted a cute chipmunk, Barney.

Marty will be remembered by the Garfield Condo Association for his helpfulness with neighbors and projects. Many will recall his great one-liners, he had one for everything, like ‘Git’r done’, ‘that dog won’t hunt’ and ‘back up the train Lucy’.

Marty is survived by his loving wife, Karyl, daughters Michele of Traverse City, MI, Jennifer of Nampa, ID, stepchildren Lori (John) Meddaugh of Traverse City MI and Christina Ney of Traverse City MI. Grandpa Marty will be missed by his grandchildren, Brandon, Sarah, Ashlee, Benjamin, Alexandrea, Nicholas and Luke. Marty will be missed by his brothers in law and sister in law, Judy’s siblings, Steve (Gloria) Gainsley of Hawaii, Jane Mueller of Kewadin Mi, Dave (Eve) Gainsley of Ann Arbor MI., many nephews, nieces and great nephews, and above all, many friends and extended family.

Marty was preceded in death by his adoptive parents and his first wife, Judy.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00, Saturday April 13, 2019 at St Francis Church, 1025 Union St, Traverse City, MI. 49684 with Visitation at 10:00. A luncheon will follow in the Family Center.

Memorials may be directed to St Francis Church or Cherryland Humane Society in Traverse City. Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to sign the guestbook and share your thoughts and memories with the family.