Paul Zimmerman

Paul Franklin Zimmerman

July 5, 1944 ~ February 6, 2021

A rich life’s journey came to a close for Paul Franklin Zimmerman of Buhl on February 6, 2021, due to a heart attack.

Paul took to the long and winding trail on July 5, 1944 when he was born to Ida Mae and Paul Zimmerman in Danville, Kentucky. He grew up in Farmer City, Illinois. He attended Southern Illinois University, graduating with a degree in forestry. He worked for 33 years for the U.S. Forest Service in a variety of positions in Idaho and later Colorado.

Paul and his wife, Nancy, happily retired in 1999 and they returned to Idaho to build their dream home outside of Hagerman. While the dream home could sometimes be a bit of a nightmare, Paul and Nancy have lived there since. Paul kept himself busy with work in his shop and his large garden in the back yard, of which the bulk of the harvest was donated to the WEMA Emergency Food Pantry in Buhl.

Paul had an extensive list of volunteer activities. He was the team leader for nine Paint Magic houses. He also was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, and was devoted to every need of his church, Immaculate Conception in Buhl.

He enjoyed fishing immensely and was a perpetual reader. He long harbored a secret dream of becoming a radio disc jockey. And he would have made a darn good one! From the Barenaked Ladies to Eric Clapton, he loved his music.

A multitude of family and friends will remember him for his exquisite woodworking talent. From picture frames, to bookcases, to kitchen tables, to china hutches, his beautiful pieces enhance homes across Idaho and elsewhere.

Paul is survived by his wife of 41 years, Nancy; sister, Dolly (Norm) Lauria of Bay City, Michigan; stepdaughter, Jill Nore of Arvada, Colorado; daughters, Laura Zimmerman of Boise, Idaho; and Ellen Zimmerman of Hudson, Colorado; son, Keith Zimmerman of Boise, Idaho; and grandchildren, Hailey and Gage Eastman.

He is also survived by members of Nancy’s family including, Anne (Paul) Niemsyk of Meridian, Idaho; Tracy (Todd) Blakeman of Boise, Idaho; Sean (Melissa) Hackett of Middleton, Idaho; Kevin Hackett of Boise, Idaho; Beccie Hackett of Boise, Idaho; and Barbara Hackett of Connecticut; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm, Friday, February 12, 2021 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1601 Poplar St, Buhl. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am, Saturday, February 13. 2021 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, Paul’s family asks that you donate a book or two to a needy child.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Paul’s memorial webpage at www.farmerfuneralchapel.com.