Rest In Peace, Fr. Zimmer

Fr. Thomas Zimmer passed away Saturday morning. Father was the pastor of my little hometown parish during my youth. I received my first Holy Eucharist from his hands and served at mass with him for many years. Ever summer he would load the altar servers in a bus and treat us to a game at Wrigley Field. Sundays I would receive catechesis from him. He never spoke down to us and always challenged our understanding. Father made it possible for me to attend World Youth Day in 1993. I never would have experienced this life changing event outside his generosity.

Father was a joyful man. He loved life and the priesthood and it showed. Unfortunately he never lived to see his beloved Cubs make it to the World Series. I imagine his time in purgatory will be short.

Grant him eternal rest O Lord, and let the perpetual light shine upon him.