Charles "Charlie" E. Zimmerman age 73, a lifetime resident of Big Rapids, passed away, January 14, 2014 at his home. He was born July 18, 1940, the son of Fredrick and Mary (Byrnes) Zimmerman. As a child, Charlie attended St. Mary Catholic School and then graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1959. He married C. Joyce Harter on August 12, 1961 at St. Paul Catholic Church. Together they raised their family in Big Rapids and were members of St. Mary Catholic Church. Charlie began his career as an operator for various electrical companies before he started a partnership owning an underground cable company. He then went to work for Mecosta County Road Commission until he retired. Charlie was a lifetime farmer; growing produce, raising pheasants for release and pigs for the local 4-H kids. He was an outdoorsman and could fix anything. Charlie enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, his Ranger, and being member of the American Rifleman Association. He liked to go to gun shows and the casino for special events. Charlie loved his family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, C. Joyce Zimmerman of Big Rapids; three children, Charles J. (Lori) Zimmerman of Big Rapids, Connie (William) Straathof of Hersey, Clinton J. Zimmerman of Ypsilanti and "German son" , Steffen Dlger; six grandchildren, Loretta (Garrett) Hays, Calvin (Darla) Zimmerman, Nathan (fiance Cayla Gilbert) Zimmerman, Karston Straathof, Ana (David) DePew and Bianca (Nate) Kidder; six great-grandchildren, Kendall, Madilyn and Landyn DePew, Eli and Mia Hays, Hudson Zimmerman and two on the way; two brothers, Fredrick J. (Carol) Zimmerman of Paris and John D. (Diane) Zimmerman of Paris; many nieces and nephews; and his Cocker Spaniel, Minnie. He was preceded in death by his parents. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 4:00 p.m. Friday, January 17, 2014 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids with Father Charles Schwartz officiating. The family will greet friends starting at 1:00 p.m. until the time of Mass at 4:00 p.m. at the Church. In honoring Charlie's wishes, the family has requested that the dress attire be casual, since Charlie was a blue jean guy. Memorial contributions may be made in Charlie's name for gas cards to be given to the families that travel to Fresenius Medical for dialysis.