Life slipped away from Frank L. Zimmerman of 400 Little Lake Road, Marquette, on Thursday, June 2, 2005, at Marquette General Hospital, while surrounded by his loving family. With the dedication, love, and caring of Frank's wife, Madeleine, as the primary caregiver, Frank survived cancer and respiratory ailments since 1993.

Frank was born to B.L. and Helen Zimmerman on August 17, 1935 in Lansing, Michigan. He graduated from Houghton Lake High School in 1953 where he played football and was known as "Little Dynamite." Following two years of service in the US Army, Frank moved to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where he worked for a construction company during the development of K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base.

Frank married Madeleine Perry on September 19, 1959 and the couple began to establish their home on Little Lake Road. Their daughter, Andrea "Andi" was born April 24, 1969.

Frank was employed with Lake Shore, Inc for 31 years as a sandblaster and molder, retiring in 1990. Frank's interests included gardening, feeding the many varieties of birds that frequented his feeders, and growing his favorite flower, geraniums. He had also read the complete works of Louis LaMour, his favorite author.

Frank was a member of the Marquette County Fair Board and was a staunch supporter of many fair related activities. He was instrumental in making the Marquette County Fair what it is today and was affectionately known as the "maintenance man" of the fairgrounds, volunteering many hours of his time and talent. A member of the UP Horseman's Association and Marquette County Horse Club, Frank dedicated many summers to serving as ring steward, working with his partner, Elmi Filkins.

Frank is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 46 years, Madeleine; dear daughter, Andrea "Andi" and husband, James Goriesky; his precious grandchildren, Alli Clare and Avery James; brother-in-law, Bruce (Maureen) Ward of Skandia; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by a brother, John Zimmerman.

Friends may call at the Fassbender Funeral Home on Sunday, June 5, beginning at 4:00 pm. Services celebrating Frank's life will follow at 7:00 pm Sunday evening in the funeral home with Rev. Leon Jarvis, Marquette General Hospital chaplain, officiating. Burial will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery. Pallbearers will be James Goriesky, Bruce Ward, Ray Meyer, Jasson Williams, and Jim Petrella. Honorary bearers will be Tom Shimon, Scott Shimon, and the late Mike Hokenson.

Madeleine and family wish to express their appreciation to the many caring hands that were more than caregivers, they were friends, in the many kindnesses extended to Frank and his family. Special thanks goes to Doctors Lorsbach, Diddams, Davison, Noren, Knuff, Saari, Scholnik, and Arnold; Marquette General Hospital, Marquette General Home Health, the staff of the Endoscopy Unit, and the Intensive Care Unit staff.