Robert E Zimmerman

MADISON - Robert Edward “Bobby” Zimmerman passed away peacefully at the age of 79 after a courageous battle with cancer on April 27, 2026. While his passing leaves a deep void, his family takes comfort in knowing this moment brings him peace-and are deeply grateful for the time they were given to say goodbye.

Bobby was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, where he was raised and lived until his move to Madison in 1980.  He graduated from North High School in 1964 and went on to attend Milton College where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration. He proudly served seven years in the National Guard. Over the years, Bobby built a career rooted in service to others, including owning Pic-A-Part/Hardware Hank and working as a trusted parts salesman. He was known not just for his knowledge, but for the way he treated people-with patience, respect, and a genuine desire to help.

Bobby met the love of his life, Dianne, through their shared passion for skiing at the Skihasen Ski Club in Sheboygan. Together, they built a life full of adventure, laughter, and deep love. On their wedding day, Bobby sang “Til There Was You” as Dianne walked down the aisle-a moment neither she nor those present would ever forget, and a song he would continue to sing to her on their anniversaries.

Above all, Bobby was a family man. He was a devoted husband to Dianne; a proud father to Jeremy, Alisa, and Royce; cherished father-in-law to Keith and Tara; and a deeply loved grandfather to Ethan, Hannah, Gabby, Avery, Charley, Nora, and Ruby. To his grandchildren, he was “Papa”-a constant source of warmth, humor, and steady guidance.

For his only grandson, Ethan-whom Bobby helped raise and who spent summers learning, growing, and building memories by his side-he was more than a grandfather. He was a role model. From helping him swim to offering advice (whether timely or not), Bobby instilled lessons of patience, hard work, and perseverance. As Ethan prepares to graduate high school and compete at the state level in swimming, he carries forward those lessons, along with the simple encouragement Bobby often gave: “Put some elbow grease into it.”

Bobby was always there. For his children, he attended all the games, meets, and matches, either helping coach or offering quiet encouragement from the sidelines. He believed that “sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but it’s all about how you play the game.” He didn’t need recognition-he simply showed up, again and again.

He had a quiet, understated presence. In a family full of laughter and energy, he was often the observer-the one who might slip away for a moment of calm, a Diet Coke in hand, before returning with a smile and a perfectly timed joke. He didn’t need to be the loudest voice in the room to be its foundation. He simply made everything work.

Bobby found joy in life’s simple pleasures-especially time spent with family. He loved road trips, often piling everyone into the car and heading off toward Florida, North Dakota, Door County, or wherever curiosity led. Some trips were carefully planned, others entirely spontaneous-even turning a simple Sunday drive into an overnight adventure. He loved both the journey and the destination.

He also showed his love in small, steady ways-like waking early to make breakfast for his family each morning before school. Many will remember that about him-he was often up at the crack of dawn, a quiet, steady presence in the house, bringing a sense of comfort simply by being there. He was also the kind of person who would stay behind after gatherings to do the dishes so others could relax, install windshield wipers for a needy customer, mow his lawn and keep going into a neighbor’s yard, or lend a hand wherever it was needed.

Bobby had a lifelong love of sports, especially skiing. It was where his story with Dianne began, and it became a central thread in their family life. From early ski trips with young children-where sunburned faces became lasting memories-to returning years later with growing families, those moments on the mountain became part of the foundation he built for those he loved.

He cherished traditions-Shabbat dinners, holiday gatherings, setting up the Christmas snow village, and bringing people together through his temple community and his Wednesday poker group, the “Madison Philosophical Society.” He loved to play cards, tell jokes (often inappropriate, always memorable), and find joy in simple moments.  

To his grandchildren, he was “Papa”-a source of comfort, laughter, and love. Whether brushing a granddaughter’s hair, drawing a legendary “Oh No Bird,” fixing a toy train, or leading a table in prayer followed by a perfectly timed dad joke, he made ordinary moments extraordinary.  A windy afternoon at the park with his grandchildren turned into minutes of uncontrollable laughter-he simply brought the joy.

Some of the most cherished memories with Bobby were the quiet ones-sitting together watching movies, especially his beloved Hallmark films. He appreciated their warmth, their predictability, and the reassurance that everything would turn out okay. In many ways, that reflected how he lived his life. He was even-keeled, unbothered, steady.

But when he spoke, you couldn’t help but smile: “I’d rather owe it to you than cheat you out of it.”  

He is survived by his siblings, Sheldon Zimmerman and Lynn “Cookie” Feldman, and her husband, Erwin. Cookie shared an especially close bond with Bobby-marked by constant connection, care, and love. Despite thousands of miles separating them, she remained a steady presence in his life, speaking with him daily and traveling to be by his side in his final months. Their lifelong connection was one of deep devotion, and the loss of her little brother is felt profoundly.

His poker friends, his temple friends, his neighbors, his “adopted” daughter, Rachel…all of them were his family.  In the waning days and weeks of his life, they all showed up.  He was surrounded by so much love in his life- reflected by what he gave so many.  

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Betty Zimmerman; his aunts and uncles; his dear nephew, Robb; and close friends.

He built more than a life-he built a foundation. One rooted in kindness, humility, humor, and love. And then, in his own quiet way, he stepped back and watched it grow.

A memorial service will be held at TEMPLE BETH EL, 2702 Arbor Drive, Madison, on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 11:00 am, followed by a luncheon at the temple. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Bobby’s life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Bobby can be made to: Temple Beth El, Agrace HospiceCare, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin or to a charity of your choice.

Bobby will be remembered as a caring, funny, and deeply genuine man-a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. A steady presence. A quiet strength.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420