Joan Ann Zimmerman's Obituary
Mrs. Joan Ann Zimmerman, age 85, of North Muskegon, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 1, 2018, surrounded by her loving family. She was the only child born in the house on Kinley Road, St. Johns, Michigan to Forest and Ruey (Cory) Swatman on January 15, 1933. She graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in St. Johns in 1951. She met the love of her life, Marvel Zimmerman, when just a sophomore. They were married on February 3, 1952 at the Church of God in St. Johns. They made their home in St. Johns until 1965 when Marvel was transferred to Grayling, Michigan. In 1976, they moved to Muskegon. They were members of Laketon Bethel Reformed Church. Marvel preceded her in death in 2009. Joan worked on the family genealogy for 30 years. She was so happy to provide all the families with extensive family trees, including stories and pictures. She was also a talented seamstress sewing clothes for her family and hand making many quilts. She knitted and crocheted many items for her loved ones. She taught basket weaving in her home and gave many beautiful baskets to family and friends. She and Marvel enjoyed working in the beautiful flower beds around their home. She loved feeding and watching the birds and squirrels out her window. They will miss her greatly. Preceding her in death was her grandson, Christopher Rogers; four sisters, Eileen McGee, Effie McGee, Gladys Chambers, and Thelma Swatman; and two brothers, Richard and Russell Swatman. She is survived by her daughter, Pamela (James) Rogers of Sheridan; her son, Kevin (Cora) Zimmerman of Twin Lake; three grandchildren, Kara Rogers of Ionia, Andrew Rogers of Holland, and Alexa Zimmerman of Twin Lake; brother, Forrest (Doris) Swatman of St. Johns; brothers and sisters-in-law; Orval Chambers, Lyle Zimmerman; Roy and Elizabeth Zimmerman, and Robert and Janet Redman; and many nieces and nephews. SERVICES will be 3:00 PM Sunday, March 4, 2018 at Laketon Bethel Reformed Church with Rev. Dr. Sherwin Brantsen officiating. VISITATION will be one hour prior to her services. Burial will be 11:00 AM Monday, March 5, 2018 in Mount Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, Michigan. MEMORIALS in honor of Joan may be directed to Laketon Bethel Church. You may sign her online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.comm Arrangements by The Sytsema Chapel, 737 Apple Ave., 231-726-5210.
What’s your fondest memory of Joan?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joan?
Share a story where Joan's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joan you’ll never forget.
How did Joan make you smile?