Stephen H. Zimmerman, 84, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 8, 2026, at his home in Fort Wayne. He was born in Decatur, Indiana, to the late Gerald and Betty Zimmerman.
Stephen built a distinguished career in information technology, retiring at age 65 after serving as an IT Business Systems Analyst at Eaton Corporation in Michigan. Earlier in his career, he specialized in Manufacturing Systems at Harvester and Zollner Corporations in Fort Wayne. A proud patriot, he also served six years in the Air Force National Guard.
Outside of work, Stephen was a man of simple pleasures. He could often be found tending his yard and garden, and he was a gifted cook who delighted in preparing meals for his family. Steve loved music and shared that with everyone around him, his family loved to reminisce with him about his time in his band The Claytons in the early sixties, where he was the lead vocalist. His warmth drew people to him naturally — he made friends wherever he went and formed lasting bonds with his neighbors. He cheered on his grandchildren at sporting events and enjoyed teaching them how to fish in his backyard pond. In everything he did, Stephen modeled compassion, hard work, and genuine love for others. He will be dearly missed.
Stephen is survived by his wife of 60 years, Susan Zimmerman; his children, Andrea (Tony) Tribolet of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Chris Zimmerman of Florida, and Scott Zimmerman of Texas; and his grandchildren, Connor Scholz, Madeline Zimmerman, Abby Scholz, and Avery Zimmerman. He was preceded in death by an infant son and an infant daughter.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 6557 N. Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, with visitation beginning at 3:00 p.m. An urn burial will follow at Eel River Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Stephen’s name to Humane Fort Wayne or Heartland Hospice.