John S. Zimmerman

(1949-2006)

Member #91

Rock River Thresheree Class of 1973

Two die in head-on collision on bypass

WHITEWATER -- Two men died Sunday at the scene of a head-on collision on the Highway 12 bypass one mile west of County P.

About 1:30 p.m., a Buick Century driven by Paul J. Mitchell, 61, of 5138 State House Trail, Madison, struck a 1930 Model A Ford driven by John S. Zimmerman, 57, of W7296 Highway 12, Whitewater, according to the Walworth County Sheriff's Department.

Mitchell, who was westbound, drifted into the eastbound lane and struck Zimmerman's antique car head-on, according to the sheriff's department. Both men died at the scene.

Police are unsure why Mitchell crossed into oncoming traffic, said Patrol Capt. Scott McClory. Drugs, alcohol and road conditions are not considered factors at this time.

Autopsies are still pending.

The men were the only occupants in the cars. Mitchell was wearing a seat belt but Zimmerman was not. McClory wasn't sure if the Model A was equipped with seat belts.

The two men are the fourth and fifth people to die in a traffic accident on the bypass since it opened last August.

[Source: The Janesville Gazette, Monday, July 3, 2006]

WHITEWATER -- John S. Zimmerman, 57, of Whitewater, died on Sunday, July 2, 2006, in Whitewater.

He was born on June 3, 1949, to Sylvan and Louella (Wargowski) Zimmerman in Watertown.

John was self employed as an excavator.

He was a member of Faith Community Church in Fort Atkinson. He also was a member of the Model A Club and the National Guard.

He is survived by his mother, Louella; two sons, Daniel Zimmerman of Monroe and David Zimmerman of Edgerton; one daughter, Lisa Zimmerman of Janesville; one grandson, Mason; a brother, Scott Zimmerman of Dyer, Tenn.; and three sisters, Connie Holden Butt of Tip City, Ohio, Sally Williams of Atlanta, Ga., and Joan Dedolph of Janesville.

He was preceded in death by his father; and two brothers, Dick and Gary.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 8, at Faith Community Church, W5949 Hackbarth Road, Fort Atkinson.

Friends may call on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of service. A luncheon will follow, with burial in Hillside Cemetery in Palmyra.

Skindingsrude Funeral Home is serving the family.

[Source: Daily Jefferson County Union, Thursday, July 6, 2006]