Emil Joseph Zimmer

Emil Joseph Zimmer, 76, of Fullerton, was called home to his Lord on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, at Accura HealthCare in Fullerton.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Fullerton. Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Fullerton with military honors by Fullerton American Legion Post 151 and United States Army Honor Guard. Visitation will be Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. vigil service at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Fullerton. Palmer-Santin Funeral Home is serving the family.

Emil was born April 20, 1949, in Columbus to Louis and Victoria (Miller) Zimmer. He attended parochial school in Fullerton and graduated from Fullerton High School in 1967. After graduation, he began working on the family farm with his father. In 1970, he was drafted into the United States Army and was honorably discharged the same year due to his father’s health declining back home and he returned home to help farm. Emil also spent time trucking and had a special love for his Peterbilts. Emil dedicated over 50 years to the farm before retiring.

He loved building things, especially toy airplanes, and there was little he couldn’t put together. Even in difficult times, he found ways to turn tragedy into something positive. After losing his home to a fire, he rebuilt his garage into a small cabin, where he continued to live. Gifted both mechanically and creatively, he took pride in his work and his imagination. Above all, he treasured time with his family and never missed his grandchildren’s activities. Being a grandfather was the role he cherished most, and one in which he truly excelled.

He is survived by daughters, Karrie (Chuck) Ziemba of Fullerton and Kathie Zimmer of Grand Island; step-daughter, Nikki (Chad) Welch; grandchildren, Blaine Buller, Shawna Ziemba, Chaz Ziemba, Rylee Zimmer, Liam Buller, and Jackson Zimmer; brother, Louis (Holly) Zimmer of Fullerton; brothers-in-law, Carl Jerabek and Kenneth Schroeder; nephews, Eric Zimmer, Brian Zimmer, Chad Jerabek, Jamie Jerabek, and Rick Jerabek; nieces, Melissa (Jim) Decker, Hilary Zimmer, Andrea Jerabek; and many great-nieces and nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Kristi Zimmer; his parents, Louis and Victoria Zimmer; sisters, Marge Jerabek and Sharon Schroeder; and brother, John Zimmer.