Esther M. Zimmer

Esther M. Zimmer, 90, was born to eternal life on Saturday, November 16, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 13, 1934 to Joseph and Anna (Rieb) Felton. She was the third of 7 Felton children, after Michael and Elizabeth (Betty), with Helen, Baby Girl, Roy and Violet following later.

Esther graduated from Seymour High School in 1952. Esther married James Zimmer, son of Frank and Clara Zimmer, on October 27, 1956, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Black Creek, WI. They celebrated 67 years of marriage before Jim’s passing in December 2023. They welcomed 5 children, James Jr., Joseph, Jeffrey, Judith and John. They lived on Leminwah Street in Appleton until 1986 when they moved to their home on Superior Street, where they lived until February 2023. Before welcoming her 5 children, Esther worked at Appleton Juvenile Furniture. When her children were older, she was a dietary aide at Franciscan Care and Rehab Center in Appleton until she retired in 1999.

Throughout Esther’s life she was known for her kindness, compassion, and quick wit. She was always willing to give a helping hand. Esther and Jim were active parishioners of the Congregation of St. Therese Catholic Church where they served as hospitality ministers together. She was generous with her time whether it was as member of the Ladies Society or serving lunch at The Salvation Army.

Esther had a green thumb and loved growing things. Whether it was her vegetable garden, flower beds, or pots around the house she loved showing them off and kept them in immaculate condition, Visitors knew it was springtime if her vegetable garden was “in.” She loved fresh flowers, and her dining room table frequently had bouquets she had harvested or received. Esther was also an excellent cook and baker. She kept her children and grandchildren stocked with baked goods over the years. Her grandchildren especially remember hoping when they would visit there would be a reusable pie plate of cookies or cupcakes to take home.

Esther is survived by 4 children: James Zimmer, Jeff (Teresa) Zimmer, Judy (Joe) Kaufmann, John (Debbie) Zimmer, and daughter-in-law, Jane Zimmer. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren: Amber (Mike) Simonds and their children: Elizabeth and Oliver; Angela (Luke) McEldowney and their children: Theodore, Archie, and Jamison; Allyson (Dan) Majewski and their children: Leopold and Anastasia; Britney (Mike) Pagni and their children: Arlo, Zola and Enzo; Kellan (Marc) Popp and their children: Adam and Haley; Lucas (Amelia) Zimmer and their child, Wallace; Jacquelyn Zimmer; Katilyn (Andy) Lau and their children: Addison and Eleanor; Timothy Zimmer; and step-grandchild, Branden (Lindsay) Boulanger.

Esther was preceded in death by her husband, James; her father and mother: Joseph and Anna Felton; her son, Joe; her sisters: Baby Girl Felton and Helen Halbach; her brother, Roy Felton; brothers-in law: Roger Halbach, David Sears, Sheldon Brown, Victor Luebke, Frank Zimmer, Leonard Zimmer, and Phillip Williams; sisters-in-law: Donna Felton, Louise Zimmer, Roberta Zimmer, Dolores Zimmer, and Geraldine Williams; and daughter-in-law, Barbara Zimmer.

A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Therese Catholic Church, 214 East Summer Street, Appleton, WI. Visitation will be at the church Thursday morning from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place in Appleton’s Highland Memorial Park. For online condolences, please visit www.valleyfh.com.

The family would like to thank Fr. Ryan Starks, the staff of Dimensions Living Memory Care, and Moments Hospice for the care provided to Esther during her final days. The Dimensions Living Memory Care and Moments Hospice staff went above and beyond the call of duty in their service to Esther and the family.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.