Geraldine (Gerry) Ann Zimmerman, 92, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2023, at the Rock River Hospice & Home, Sterling, Illinois, where she spent her final days surrounded by the love of her family.

Visitation will be from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota, Illinois, with a Celebration of Life service immediately following. Pastor Jason Borton will officiate. Cremation rites will be accorded.

Gerry arrived at the delight of her parents, Ben and Esther (Reimer) Krohn on April 4, 1931, in Wausau, Wisconsin. Gerry was one of three girls born to this union. Gerry's sister, Mary Ann Rozzelle (Charles) was a retired registered nurse who lived in Huntington Beach, California. Gerry's older sister, Mary Jean, passed away a few hours after her birth.

Gerry attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. There, she met her future husband, Richard Zimmerman, and left college after two years. Gerry and Richard were married on December 29, 1951, at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Wausau, Wisconsin. They eventually settled in Mendota, Illinois, where they raised their family, and later divorced.

Gerry was blessed with five children, who all survive her. Mary Jean Derreberry (Rich) of Rock Falls, IL; Janet Warner (Mark) of Urbandale, IA; Luci Phalen (Craig) of Missoula, MT; Celeste Walker (Dennis) of Scottsdale, AZ; and, Curt (Laurie) Zimmerman of Mendota, IL. Gerry was also blessed with 12 grandchildren, Janel (Terry) Geesey; Justin Baker; Jonathan (Katya) Baker; Sarah (Adam) Tillman; Allison (Aaron) Patterson; Benjamin Phalen; Laura Phalen; Elyse (Doug) Carlsen-Allen; Natalie Carlsen; Grant (Victoria) Zimmerman; Mark (Kadie) Zimmerman; and Cole Zimmerman; and, nine great-grandchildren. Her nieces and nephew, Katherine, Cyndi, Christine, and Rich, were very special to her. She was preceded in death by her parents and her dear sister, Mary Ann.

Gerry met John Scholz in Silver Gate, Montana, where they both had summer homes. They became "special friends" and eventually shared a home in St. George, Utah, during the winter and in Silver Gate, Montana, in the summer, until John passed away in July of 2019.

During her lifetime, Gerry's interests included directing the church choir, being a member of the Singing Mothers, leading Bible studies, teaching Sunday school and Bible school, serving on ACLW church boards, gardening, and decorating. She was a member of the Wartburg College Board of Regents in the 1980s. Gerry was a lifelong member of the PEO women's organization, and a member of New Promise Lutheran Church in St. George, Utah. Gerry loved to travel and take cruises. Her favorite trip was to China. She had many wonderful friends, and her family members were all very precious to her.

Gerry's values in life were centered upon her faith and family. Her motto and favorite Bible verse was "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose" – Romans 8:28. Gerry's advice to others is "Love the Lord with all your heart, mind, and soul. You just can't go wrong. Forgive, forgive, forgive!"

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Rock River Hospice & Home, 2706 Avenue E, Sterling, IL 61081 or Good Days, 2611 Internet Blvd, Suite 105, Frisco, TX 75034 (a non-profit organization that provided financial assistance to Gerry for treatment of macular degeneration)