Dorothy Marie Zimmerer

Dorothy was born ninth in the family of 12 children to Joseph Frank and Margaret Schmitz Bezner on the 31st day of August, 1921 in Lindsay, TX.  Dorothy attended school in Lindsay, TX graduating from high school on May 22, 1938 as class valedictorian.  She married Bruno Zimmerer April 16, 1941 and is the proud mother of 4 sons and 3 daughters whom she and Bruno raised on a farm west of Lindsay.

Mrs. Zimmerer is also a grandmother of 18 beautiful grandchildren, 28 loving great-grandchildren and 8 amazing great-great-grandchildren to whom she is known as Mema.

Dorothy was a member of St. Peter’s Choir since the age of 12, the Young Ladies Sodality and after marriage the Christian Mother’s Society and St. Ann’s Society.

Mrs. Zimmerer worked for many years on the homecoming picnic.  She was an active member of the Parent Teacher Club and was also a room mother for many years, actively involved in her children’s education.  The teachers were blessed many, many times with her cinnamon rolls and delicious baked goods.  She also taught religious education.

Dorothy was involved with the family’s farming and ranching operation.  The farm help appreciated the fried chicken dinners and the afternoon “Hay Baler” sandwiches she prepared. She sewed most of the children’s clothes, grew a big garden, canning and freezing hundreds of quarts of fruits and vegetables.  She is also known for baking delicious cookies and of course cinnamon rolls. Quilting was a long-time hobby.  Each grandchild was blessed to receive a handmade quilt.  She also enjoyed pencil shading artwork up until very recently, gifting these framed pieces to ALL family member and special friends.

At the age of 100, Mrs. Zimmerer still enjoyed playing dominoes, puzzles and her Ipad.  She danced as much as she was able, even as recent at her granddaughter’s wedding in 2022.

Dorothy was preceded in death by husband, Bruno; grandson Brad Felderhoff; grandson Samuel Zimmerer; son-in-law Danny Jones; granddaughter Jennifer Zimmerer; sisters:  Cecilia Corcoran, Anna Zamora, Albina Young, Isabel Galvan, Catherine Kelly, Elsie Benenate; brothers:  William, Al, Hubert, Robert, and Joe.

Mrs. Zimmerer is survived by children:  Jim and Dolores Zimmerer, Tom and Marge Zimmerer, Bob Zimmerer, Joanie Jones, Janie and Les Wilson, Donna and Steve Felderhoff, and Sam Zimmerer.

Dorothy is also survived by her grandchildren:  Jeff and Pam Zimmerer, Tonia and Eric McGee, Bill and Dorothy Zimmerer, Jessica and Jack McCown, Russell and Jaimee Zimmerer, Kristin and Wes Hanover, Traci and Rick Babcock, Kenny and Kimberly Jones, Joey and Amanda Wilson, Jalynn and Will Burnes, Kerri and Tim Rovi, Kelli Amis, Erin Zimmerer, Hannah and Michael Faries and Maddy Zimmerer; numerous nieces and nephews.

A rosary prayer service with visitation to follow is scheduled Monday, January 15, at 6:00 PM at Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home, Gainesville.  A mass of Christian burial is scheduled for Tuesday, January 16, at 10:00 AM at St. Peter Catholic Church, Lindsay with Fr. John Martin officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery.

The family would like to acknowledge the hard work and passionate care provided to Dorothy during her final days before being called home, especially by the people of Wesley House and Arcy Hospice.