John M. Zimmerman

John Musser Zimmerman, 90, went home to be with the LORD on Sunday, January 13, 2013, at Landis Homes in Lititz after a short illness. Born in Bowmansville he was married to his wife Ruth for 69 years. He founded Beartown Hydraulics in Narvon in 1960. He was Vice-President at C.U. Stoltzfus, Manufacturing, Inc., until he retired in 1993.

In addition to his wife Ruth he is survived by four sons, J. Paul (Jeanine), Los Alamitos, California, Donald (Jane), Lewistown, PA, Kenneth (Kathy), Long Valley, New Jersey, Ronald (Becky), Leola, PA; seven grandchildren: Carla Sheffield and Companion Charles Hackman, D. Gene and Companion Annette Nauman, Gail (David) Atkinson, Sarah, Kevin (Catania), Jill Boley (Ryan), and Ryan (fiancee Stephanie); great grandchildren: Lindsay Sheffield, Dean, Grant and Gavin Atkinson, Luca and Caroline Boley; great, great grandchild: Aydnn Sheffield and a sister Ruth (Ivan) Martin, East Earl. He was predeceased by his brother George and sister Verna Shirk and daughter-in-law Freda Zimmerman.

John collected antique dishware, clocks and enjoyed trains. He was an avid hunter, building his hunting camp with his sons in Tamarack, Clinton County, traveling there frequently with his wife and family. He was very active in Churchtown Mennonite Church and Goodville Mennonite Church, serving as a Sunday school teacher, Trustee and Cemetery Committee, and assisting wherever he was needed. He was an avid Bible reader and enjoyed listening to Bible scholars. He was involved in the Pennsylvania Relief Sale in Harrisburg, barbecuing the hams all through the night.

John and Ruth retired to Landis Homes in Lititz in 1995. He touched many lives with his willingness to volunteer and serve. He will be missed by his family.

A viewing will be held at The West Bethany Chapel at Landis Homes on Thursday, January 17 from 5:30-7:30pm. A pre-funeral viewing will be held on Friday, January 18 at 11am with a funeral service following at noon. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Caring Fund at Landis Homes 1001 E. Oregon Road, Lititz, PA. 17543. Interment will be held at Goodville Mennonite Church, Rt. 23, Goodville, PA., following the service at Landis Homes. The Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be posted on our website, www.groffeckenroth.com.