Robert “Bob” Zimmerman (August 15, 1941 - April 17, 2024), son of George and Louise Zimmerman (both deceased), was a business owner, farmer, husband and father. Bob graduated from Windsor (Missouri) High School in 1959 and received a B.S. in Agriculture and a Minor in Business from the University of Missouri, Columbia. He was a successful salesperson for Prudential Insurance but left to work in the Farm Equipment business. After ten years with International Harvester he became the co-owner of St. Joseph, Missouri’s International Harvester store in 1976, turning it into one of the country’s top dealerships. He sold the store in 1997 and then opened Zimmerman Motors, a car dealership in Elwood, Kansas.
Bob was raised on a farm in Windsor, Missouri and farming was always in his blood. He owned and managed farms in Whitesville, Fillmore, Calhoun and Lincoln, Missouri, raising corn, soybeans, wheat and mules. He had a Grand Champion Jack and a Grand Champion Mule at the Missouri State Fair.
Bob became a home builder after contracting the building of his family’s residence in 1973. He built houses in St. Joseph, Windsor, Laurie and Warsaw, Missouri. He became President of the Midland Home Builders Association and co-founder and President of the St. Joseph Title and Abstract Company. He also served as an auxiliary board member of the North Star Bank. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Scottish Rite.
Bob collected arrowheads and could identify the make and model of any car he saw in a movie or TV show. He married his High School sweetheart and they shared many adventures in over 62 years of marriage. He gave his employees the trust and respect to excel and was an example of honesty and genuineness for his daughter. He was kind and without guile. He is survived by his wife Sue Zimmerman and his daughter Machelle Zimmerman.
Graveside funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, April 21, 2024, at the Laurel Oak Cemetery, Windsor. The family suggests contributions to the Windsor High School Class of 1959 Scholarship (checks payable WHS MSEF) in care of the Hadley Funeral Home, Windsor. Condolences may be left online at www.hadleyfuneralhome.com.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the Elks Lodge, 33495 SSR-MM, Warsaw, Mo. Food and drink will be provided.
