Gordon Joseph Zimmerman

Gordon Joseph Zimmerman, 79, Hays, died Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at his home.

He was born December 5, 1936 in Schoenchen, Kansas the son of Matt and Clara (Wolf) Zimmerman.  He attended Schoenchen Grade School and graduated from Schoenchen High School in 1953.  He married Alvina “Tootsie” Herrman on September 12, 1953 in Liebenthal.  He and his wife were successful business owners, owning and operating Gordon’s Carpet Center for 60 years.  He loved his family and friends and enjoyed playing pool, playing cards, and golf, and was very much a people person that loved to visit and spend time with others.  He volunteered in helping with many funeral dinners and was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, the 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus in Schoenchen, and the Bishop Cunningham 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. 

Survivors include his wife, Tootsie of the home, five daughters; Connie Johnston and husband Gary of Wichita, Cynthia Zimmerman of Kansas City, Kansas, Rhonda Leiker and husband Larry of Hays, Kimberly Schoen and husband Steve of Hays, and Lisa Zimmerman of Kansas City, MO, four brothers; Wayne Zimmerman of Hays, Dennis Zimmerman and wife Becky of Hays, Sherman Zimmerman of Shawnee, KS, and Steve Zimmerman and wife Debbie of Topeka, two sisters; Elaine Schmidt and husband Jerry of Hays and Marjorie Augustine of Hays, nine grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter; Patricia Zimmerman, two sisters; Mary Ann Wasinger Herl, and Betty Leiker, a grandson; Curtis Lee Leiker, and sisters and brothers-in law; Arlene Zimmerman, Norbert Leiker, Mary Lou Zimmerman, Julius Wasinger, Virgil Herl, and Elmer Augustine.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1805 Vine Street.  Burial will be at a later date in St. Joseph Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 8:00 on Friday and from 9:30 am until 10:45 on Saturday, all at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street. The 4th Degree Knights of Columbus will stand honor guard from 5:30 pm until 6:30 on Friday at the funeral home.  A parish vigil service will be at 6:30 pm followed by a combined 3rd and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus rosary at 7:00 pm, all on Friday at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Hospice of Hays Medical Center, or to masses, in care of the funeral home.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com or via email at haysmemorialchapel@gmail.com