Kenneth Zimmerly

Kenneth Eugene Zimmerly, 78, of Wooster passed away peacefully at his home on May 17th, with his family by his side following a sudden illness. Services will be Tuesday, May 25 at noon with Pastor Eric Fairhurst officiating. Friends may call fron 10 am to noon prior to the service.  Burial will be at Sherwood Memorial Gardens, Wooster where military rites will be held.  Roberts Funeral Home - Sherwood Chapel is handling arrangements.  Online tributes may be made at www.robertsfuneralhome.com.

Kenny was born on September 13th, 1940 to Carl E. and Elizabeth V. (Goffinet) Zimmerly in Wadsworth, Ohio. While in school he met the love of his life Marilyn Benchoff. They were married December, 19 1959. She survives. He was a graduate of Rittman High School in 1958. He was on the first team all county offensive line football team after being very successful in football throughout his school years. Kenny was the football captain along with prom king. While serving in the Army in Germany for four years, he played football for the Rams. He also attended Wooster Business College. His personality and smile were contagious. Kenny was employed as foreman at the Barefoot Sole in Wadsworth for 19 years and then he drove truck up until his retirement.

Kenny, or Zimm as friends called him, was an amazing man. He loved his wife so very much, in fact, he had a tattoo of her name on his arm before they were even married. They would have been married 60 years this December. Their love was a true testament to their family. The legacy that these two have created and will leave behind is something that their family cherishes every day.

Kenny loved his small farm at his home. For many years he enjoyed helping his children and grandchild succeed in 4-H. Ken always looked forward to being the little league coach for his boys baseball team. He was the President of the Madisonburg Hot Stove little league baseball. He loved his family so much and would do anything for them. In his spare time he enjoyed going to the slots with Marilyn.

Kenny will be missed deeply by his wife Marilyn, children Robert (Christina) Zimmerly of Creston, Brian (Jennifer) Zimmerly of Mooresville, NC, and Brenda (Ed) Holt of Wooster. He also leaves behind 6 beautiful grandchildren Kevin (Rebecca) Zimmerly of Charleston SC, Crystal Zimmerly of Orrville, Jessica (JR) Noe of Creston, Joshua (Sarah) Zimmerly of North Lawrence, Stacy Zimmerly of Orrville, and Sarah Holt of Wooster, and 7 great grandchildren all whom he loved dearly. A brother, Carl (Theresa) Zimmerly of Elyria, and several nieces and nephews.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Elizabeth “Betty” Zimmerly.

The family would like to thank LifeCare Hospice for their compassionate care of Kenny.