Kenneth Zimmerman

Kenneth R. Zimmerman, age 86, of Sylvania, passed away peacefully at home on June 30, 2009. He was born in North Toledo in 1923 and was the youngest child of Elizabeth and Albert Zimmerman. From an early age Kenny was captivated by the arts, spending countless hours honing his craft at the Toledo Repertoire Theatre. After graduation from Woodward High School he earned a scholarship to the University of Denver. Kenny proudly served in the U.S. Army, under General Patton, surviving among many others in the Battle of the Bulge.
After his service he spent several decades acting in New York, Chicago and Hollywood, both on the stage and in film, using the stage name of Ken Raymond. During this time, he enjoyed working and socializing with such notable entertainers as Vincent Price, Ethel Merman, Fernando Lamas, Helen Hayes and many others.
Next in Kenny's interesting life, he began a very successful California real estate/renovation career with his partner, Horace Brown. Together they provided newly redecorated and remodeled mansions for Jack Benny, Burt Bacharach and Angie Dickenson, among others.
Another passion of Kenny's was dining and entertaining friends and family. He proudly displays a warm thank you note from Julia Child, after a dinner he gave in her honor.
His lifelong commitment to the arts was also evident in the beautiful paintings he created through the years, inspired by his worldly travels and lovely gardens.

Along with is parents, Kenneth was preceded in death by his siblings, Herta (Bob) Jensen, Arthur Zimmerman, Arletta (Harold) Draheim, Norman Zimmerman, Freida Wagner, niece, Beverly Grant and nephews, Terry Zimmerman and Rocky Zimmerman. A devoted family man, Kenny leaves behind to cherish his memory, sister, Margaret Braun; brother, Raymond (Naomi) Zimmerman; sister-in-law, Olga Zimmerman; brother-in-law, Donald Wagner. He was so loved and will be greatly missed by many nieces and nephews who will have years of special memories of time spent with their fun-loving unique, Uncle Kenny!

There will be no visitation or services for Kenny in honor of his wishes. The Newcomer Funeral Home (419-473-0300) assisted the family with professional services.

Those wishing to make monetary donations are asked to consider a charity of the donor's choice.