Frank Zimmerman

Frank Zimmerman, 88, of Sarasota, Florida died on Sunday February 25th. He was born in Cleveland, North Dakota on April 7, 1935 to Frank George Zimmerman and Mary Edith (Burrows) Zimmerman. After graduating from high school in Jamestown, North Dakota, Frank attended the University of Michigan on an NROTC scholarship where he received his bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1959. Frank served as an officer on active duty in the US Navy from 1959-1962 and then the Naval Reserve until 1975. He returned to the University of Michigan for graduate studies, receiving his MBA in 1963. He was employed by the University as Business Manager of the Horace H Rackham School of Graduate Studies from 1967 – 1994. He and his wife Anita retired to Sarasota in September 1994. Frank has served as Treasurer of the Indian Beach/Saphire Shores Neighborhood Association and has actively supported New College, the Boys and Girls Clubs, Asolo Theater, Florida Studio Theater, and Ringling Museum. He was a member of Unity Church. Fortunate to have found true love twice in his lifetime, Frank enjoyed life with all of his family and friends by returning to Michigan every year and having brunches with both Elaine and Anita's families at Fox Hills, attending picnics at German Park, lunching with his co-workers from U of M, and making a point to visit other family and friends from Michigan. Frank will be remembered for being a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He is described by many as charming, gracious, and a true gentleman. He had a sweet and thoughtful demeaner, great sense of humor, contagious laugh, and was an inventive handyman. He loved exploring the world with his wife, kayaking, going to the theatre, and lending a hand to family, friends and neighbors. Frank is predeceased by his parents, brother Fred Zimmerman, and first wife Elaine Bejin Zimmerman. He is survived by his wife Anita Swift Zimmerman, stepdaughters Pamela (Philip) Weipert from South Lyon, Michigan, Debora (Patrick) O’Brien from Pleasanton, California, and Nicole (Timothy) Destri from Slidell, Louisiana, grandchildren Sarah, James, and Michael O’Brien, and numerous nieces and nephews. Franks cremains will be placed in a columbarium niche at the Sarasota National Cemetery, where there will be a short ceremony on April 5th at 2:30 PM with a flag folding and Taps. A Celebration of Life party will be held at The Reserve restaurant in Sarasota on April 6th from 1-4 PM. Both are open to friends and relatives. We encourage bringing a fun story about Frank to share during his celebration.

Tributes

Frank Zimmerman

April 7, 1935 - February 25, 2024