Ted Lee Zimmerman

Ted Lee Zimmerman, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather, and friend, was peacefully called home to Jesus on October 16, 2025, surrounded by the love of his devoted wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Born Ted Wooley on March 5, 1943, he was adopted by his stepfather at age 12 and carried the Zimmerman name. He attended Cadott High School, Class of 1961. Ted married the love of his life, Joann (Patchak), beginning a remarkable 66-year journey filled with devotion, adventure, and purpose.

Ted began his career as a machinist with Illinois Tool Works in Chicago, where he and Joann raised their two children. In 1969, they returned to Wisconsin, settling in Oshkosh, where Ted joined Oshkosh Truck Corporation. Over nearly three decades, he rose from design engineer to Vice President of Manufacturing, leading transformative initiatives including military vehicle design, government contract negotiations, and the construction of a chassis plant in Mexico City. He retired from OTC in December 1996 and relocated to Phoenix, Arizona.

Ted’s leadership extended beyond industry. He served as President of the Oshkosh Boys & Girls Club (1990–1991), mentoring countless individuals and leaving a legacy of service, generosity and integrity.

Retirement marked the beginning of a new chapter. Ted accepted a role with Ping Golf as President of Karsten Precision, where he streamlined operations for profitability. After seven years with Ping he joined OmniMount as Vice President of Operations traveling extensively to China, Singapore, Japan, and Mexico to optimize global business practices. After seven years with OmniMount, Ted fully retired to embrace his many passions.

A true craftsman and self-made man, Ted built furniture for his family, constructed two boats, including a 22-foot sailboat he & his wife sailed for 20 years on Lake Winnebago, and designed and finished building their Phoenix home where he and Joann lived for 21 years on Lookout Mountain.

Ted was an avid sailor, golfer, hiker, and traveler. He earned his captain’s license and sailed the British Virgin Islands multiple times with Joann, including a memorable 12-day voyage from St. Lucia to Grenada. Together, they explored Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Hawaii, the Bahamas, Mexico, Canada, and nearly every U.S. state plus the Caribbean Disney Cruise.

Ted’s life was marked by love, craftsmanship, leadership, and adventure. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, especially Joann, who shares: “He was the love of my life. My heart is broken. We had many future plans that will never culminate.”

Ted is lovingly survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Joann; his son, Randal (Tammy) Zimmerman; his daughter, Julie (Michael) Paul; eight grandchildren; (one who preceded him in death); four great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

A private Celebration of Life will be held in March 2026, at Ted’s home in Phoenix, Arizona, to remember and celebrate the joy, love, and memories he brought into our lives.

In Ted's honor a request for donations go to:

https://giveto.supportbarrow.org/donate-r designating Parkinson's Research