Life Journey February 5, 1969 – August 30, 2025

Joel was born at St. Louis County Hospital in Clayton, Missouri, on February 5, 1969. Four months later, he officially became Joel Peter Zimmerman when he joined his parents, LeRoy and Ruth, and sisters Joy (age 5), and Jana (age 2). He was baptized and confirmed at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church where he was gifted with many special friends and family. 

Joel spent his childhood in Clayton at 6370 Alamo Avenue from kindergarten through high school. His favorite sport was water polo. He was also a member of the swim team and an employee of the Clayton Parks Department.

While attending Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Joel fell in love with the Green Bay Packers. He returned to St. Louis after graduation, and the Packers went with him for the rest of his life. The St. Louis Packers Club meant the world to Joel. He formed lifelong friendships with other Packers fans and made trips to many home games.

During summer family vacations in Minnesota, Joel learned to fish. This led him to seek fishing opportunities in Missouri where he found his peaceful place—Goose Creek Community in the Ozarks. Purchasing property there gave him the perfect weekend fishing retreat. He later purchased additional property and developed a large comfortable site which he visited regularly.

Joel’s career centered on shipping and receiving manufactured equipment. He formed positive connections within the transportation industry and spent most of his years with Barry-Wehmiller Companies before his health began to fail.

As a child, Joel loved his family’s Welsh Corgi rescue dogs named Amie and Buddy. Through adulthood, he had two more Corgis as life companions. His latest, Buddy III, survives Joel.

Joel visited and decorated his parents’ home with large, small, plain and/or elaborate lighthouses. All were carefully chosen to reflect his love. 

Those who cherish precious memories of Joel’s humor, great laugh, big hugs, and love of sports and the outdoors are his parents, LeRoy and Ruth; sister Joy and wife Linda; sister Jana and husband Pete; nephews Ryan, Josh and wife Margaret, Matt, Connor, Joe and wife Mary and children Casey and Luke; niece Sam and partner Fayzan, along with a multitude of family and friends. Joel’s family gratefully acknowledges the extraordinary kindness of friends Marty, Mark, and Cari during Joel’s final weeks.

Memorial gifts will help fund Buddy Dog’s care with his new foster/rescue mom, Bethany.

Venmo: JanaNZimmerman. Memo: Buddy. Last 4: 1808

Checks: Payable to Jana Zimmerman, 2169 Wagon Way, Louisville, CO 80027

A deep thank you for your support, thoughtfulness, and love for Joel during his life journey!