Wayne T. Zimmerman

Wayne Thomas Zimmerman

Wayne Thomas Zimmerman, 84, Hays, died Thursday, November 16, 2017 at HaysMed.

He was born October 15, 1933 in Schoenchen the son of Matt and Clara (Wolf) Zimmerman.  He graduated from Schoenchen High School and Hutchinson Business College with a degree in bookkeeping.  On October 23, 1954 he was united in marriage to Arlene Braun in Victoria, and they celebrated over 40 years of marriage.  She preceded him in death on July 12, 1995.  He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus Third Degree Council #4166 of Schoenchen and the Bishop Cunningham Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus.  He was co-owner of High Plains Trucking and later opened Wayne’s Auto Glass where he worked until his retirement.  He enjoyed demolition derbies, playing cards, traveling to casinos and spending time with his family.  He was a grandfather and father figure to many and taught all of his grandchildren to drive. 

Survivors include two sons; Tom Zimmerman and John Zimmerman both of Hays, four daughters; Deb Geist, Sandy Haselhorst and husband Gary, Stephanie Zimmerman and husband Ron, and Brenda Zimmerman all of Hays, three brothers; Dennis Zimmerman and wife Becky of Hays, Sherman Zimmerman of Shawnee, Steve Zimmerman and wife Debbie of Topeka, two sisters; Elaine Schmidt and husband Jerry and Marjorie Augustine both of Hays, 20 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Arlene, an infant daughter; Theresa Zimmerman, a grandson; Chris Geist, two great grandchildren; Xavier Schuler and Brixton Zimmerman, a brother; Gordon Zimmerman and two sisters; Mary Ann Herl and Betty Leiker.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Monday, November 20, 2017 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1805 Vine Street, with Fr. Barry Brinkman officiating.  Military honors will follow by the Hays VFW Honor Guard.  Private family burial will take place at a later date in the St. Joseph Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Sunday and from 9:00 am until 10:45 on Monday at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street.  The Bishop Cunningham Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus will stand honor guard from 5:30 pm until 6:30.  A parish vigil service will be at 6:30 pm followed by a combined Third and Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus rosary at 7:00 pm all on Sunday at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested in Wayne’s memory to masses, to Via Christi Village, or to the Hays Field Office of the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs, in care of the funeral home.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com