David
W.
Zimmer
October 16, 1917 - June 4, 2011
Born in Oakwood, WI
Resided in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Commander David W. Zimmer, US Navy, retired.
A retired Naval Aviator and Ford Motor Company executive, David Zimmer didn�t know when he joined the Navy after graduation from Northwestern University in 1940 that he would be in one of the most historic naval battles in history while serving as an ensign on the USS Worden in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. With the USS Worden leaving Pearl Harbor the next day, David received his orders to go to flight school, however the ship�s captain would not release him. It wasn�t until his return to Pearl Harbor that he was released to attend flight school, but not until he resigned his reserve officer commission in order to become an aviation cadet. He received his naval aviation wings in March 1943 and continued his Navy career flying many different planes.
David received many letters from a civilian woman in his home state of Wisconsin during his time overseas. After the war he was encouraged to meet her and according to him �it was love at first sight�. They were married after an eleven week courtship and enjoyed 63 wonderful years together. At one time he said the main factor vital to his career and the life of his family was his wife Dorothy, who did a remarkable job raising their four boys. David was Dorothy�s loving caregiver in the final years of her life.
In 1959, after living in several different military environments, the family settled in Birmingham and David retired from the Navy after 22 years of service. He was in charge of Naval recruiting for this region of the United States and then went to work for Ford Motor Company in the personnel department.
Beloved husband of the late Dorothy (nee Ely). Dear father of David R. (Donna), Stephen E. (Susan), Dr. John W. (Naywon) and Thomas A. (Patrice). Grandfather of Amy, Kristen, Julie McCann (Casey), Jennifer, Andrew, Matthew, Scott, Michael, Zachary and Trevor. Great grandfather of Alexander. Brother of the late Julian and Rodney.
Family will receive friends at A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel), 32515 Woodward Ave. (btwn 13-14 Mile) Friday, June 17th 5-8p.m.
Funeral service Saturday, June 18th 1p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1669 W. Maple Rd., Birmingham, MI 48009.
In lieu of flowers memorial tributes to Michigan Sports Unlimited, Quad Rugby, 6781 Rattalee Lake Rd., Clarkston, MI 48348.
A retired Naval Aviator and Ford Motor Company executive, David Zimmer didn�t know when he joined the Navy after graduation from Northwestern University in 1940 that he would be in one of the most historic naval battles in history while serving as an ensign on the USS Worden in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. With the USS Worden leaving Pearl Harbor the next day, David received his orders to go to flight school, however the ship�s captain would not release him. It wasn�t until his return to Pearl Harbor that he was released to attend flight school, but not until he resigned his reserve officer commission in order to become an aviation cadet. He received his naval aviation wings in March 1943 and continued his Navy career flying many different planes.
David received many letters from a civilian woman in his home state of Wisconsin during his time overseas. After the war he was encouraged to meet her and according to him �it was love at first sight�. They were married after an eleven week courtship and enjoyed 63 wonderful years together. At one time he said the main factor vital to his career and the life of his family was his wife Dorothy, who did a remarkable job raising their four boys. David was Dorothy�s loving caregiver in the final years of her life.
In 1959, after living in several different military environments, the family settled in Birmingham and David retired from the Navy after 22 years of service. He was in charge of Naval recruiting for this region of the United States and then went to work for Ford Motor Company in the personnel department.
Beloved husband of the late Dorothy (nee Ely). Dear father of David R. (Donna), Stephen E. (Susan), Dr. John W. (Naywon) and Thomas A. (Patrice). Grandfather of Amy, Kristen, Julie McCann (Casey), Jennifer, Andrew, Matthew, Scott, Michael, Zachary and Trevor. Great grandfather of Alexander. Brother of the late Julian and Rodney.
Family will receive friends at A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel), 32515 Woodward Ave. (btwn 13-14 Mile) Friday, June 17th 5-8p.m.
Funeral service Saturday, June 18th 1p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1669 W. Maple Rd., Birmingham, MI 48009.
In lieu of flowers memorial tributes to Michigan Sports Unlimited, Quad Rugby, 6781 Rattalee Lake Rd., Clarkston, MI 48348.
Visitation
A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel)
32515 Woodward Ave.
Royal Oak, MI US 48073
Royal Oak, MI US 48073
Service
First Presbyterian Church
1669 West Maple
Birmingham, MI US 48009
Birmingham, MI US 48009
Cemetery
Acacia Park Cemetery
31300 Southfield Road
Beverly Hills, MI US 48025
Beverly Hills, MI US 48025
To the Church
