Jon Edward Zimmerman

Jon Edward Zimmerman, 87, of Topeka passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 8, 2024. Jon is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carolyn; son Patrick (Ulrica) of Avon, Co; daughter Angela Ely (Garth) of Newburyport, MA; granddaughter, Kit Ely of New York City; and grandson, Nolan Ely of Merrimac, MA; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Jon was born December 29, 1936, in Topeka to Cleo and Edward Zimmerman. He lived most of his life in Topeka except for a few happy years in Minneapolis, MN. Jon graduated from Topeka High School and attended the University of Kansas. He served in the Army Reserves for 8 years. Jon worked as a draftsman, pizza chef, surveyor, bartender, photographer, ad man and corporate salesmen before focusing on graphic art and design later in his career. If we believe everything, he told my brother and me when we were kids, Jon was also a cowboy and a sheriff.

Jon volunteered for numerous nonprofits in Topeka, giving his time to everything from The Nature Conservancy to the Center for Peace and Justice.

Jon loved cycling, jazz, and politics. He biked in all sorts of weather, participated in the Capitol Classic Ride for decades and rode his age for his birthday well into his 70s.

He was a self-taught pianist who played by ear and loved listening to live music.

Jon's involvement in politics may have started when he fell into helping on John F. Kennedy's presidential campaign. He later worked on dozens of local and national campaigns. He served as the Shawnee County precinct committeeman for Pct 10; ward 7 for many years and was a poll worker for nearly every election of his adult life.

If you ever needed someone to design your logo, deliver yard signs or tend bar at an event - Jon was your man!

His parents and brother, Jack predeceased him.

A memorial service will be held for Jon at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at Carole Chapel, Washburn University, 1840 SW Jewell Avenue, Topeka, KS 66621.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Jon with a donation to the Topeka Rescue Mission Ministries, PO Box 8350, Topeka, KS 66608-0350