COLUMBUS
Mr. Bert Harold Zimmerman, age 92, of Columbus, Indiana formerly of Madison, entered this life on December 2, 1932 in Michigan City, Indiana. He was the loving son of the late Chester Bert and Jenny Blanch Swiger Zimmerman. He was raised in Michigan City and graduated in 1950 from Michigan City Elston High School. He then graduated in 1955 from Ball State University with a bachelor in education and later receiving his masters. While attending Ball State he met his future wife, Fern Lavonne Betz and they were united in marriage on December 26, 1955 in Columbus, Indiana. This happy union of 60 years was blessed with two sons, Gregory and Geoffrey. On February 7, 1956 Bert was inducted into the United States Air Force and rose to the rate of First Lieutenant on July 14, 1958. He later was transferred to the Reserves and rose to the rank of Major and was honorably discharged after 15 years of service. They settled in Madison in 1973 and he began a career in physical education with Madison Consolidated High School. He had served as the boys and girls swim coach for many years. He retired in 1996 as the athletic coordinator and swim coach. Mr. Zimmerman mentored many students and was a positive influence in the lives of his students and associates. Bert and Lavonne enjoyed summering at their summer home in Luddington, Michigan and wintering in Venice, Florida. He was a member of the Ryker’s Ridge Baptist Church and then Calvary Baptist Church in Madison for several years. After residing the summers in Michigan he became a member of the Path of Life Church in Luddington. He had resided in Columbus the past ten years and enjoyed bible study, long distance running, exercise, swimming, reading and all sports. He had enjoyed volunteering as a docent at Bakalar Air Force Museum in Columbus, Indiana. Bert died on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 5:30 a.m. at his home in Columbus, Indiana.
A LOVING FAMILY
Bert will be missed by his loving sons, Greg Zimmerman of Columbus, Indiana, Geoffrey Zimmerman and his wife, Sarah of Winnett, Montana; his grandsons, Benjamin David Zimmerman and Nashua Kenton Zimmerman; his half brother, Jonas Zimmerman of Michigan City, Indiana; several nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his father, Chester Bert Zimmerman, died May 29, 2000, his mother, Jenny Blanch Swiger Zimmerman Owczarski, died September 28, 1998, his beloved wife of 60 years, Fern Lavonne Betz Zimmerman , died November 17, 2016, his brother, Chester Raymond Zimmerman, died June 10, 1984, his half sisters, Judy Carol Bonee, died August 26, 2024 and Bonnie Sue Jania, died June 15, 2022.
FUNERAL CEREMONY
Funeral services will be conducted Friday, April 25, 2025, at 1:00 pm, at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, 325 Demaree Drive in Madison, Indiana. Interment will follow in the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery,1415 North Gate Road Madison, Indiana
VISITATION
Friends may visit Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm and Friday, April 25, 2025, from 11:00 am until the time of service at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, 325 Demaree Drive in Madison, Indiana.
MILITARY HONORS
A final salute with military honors will be provided by the Major Samuel Woodfill Post No. 9 of the American Legion.
MEMORIAL EXPRESSIONS
Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice. Cards are available at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centres of Madison and Hanover. Online condolences, remembrances, and memorials can be left at www.morgan-nay.com
