Gary Zimpfer

Zimpfer, Gary Lon, “Big Z” of Alba, Michigan, age 77, met his Lord and Savior surrounded by family, Tuesday, December 9, 2025. Gary was born in Alma, Michigan, December 19, 1947 to Ivan and Beatrice (Boileau) Zimpfer.

He graduated from Cheboygan High School in 1966 and went on to Spring Arbor College where he played baseball and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1970. He married Judith Louise Jewell in the fall of 1971 in Cheboygan, Michigan. For a short time he was city recreational director for Cheboygan but decided to go back to college to earn his elementary education certification which helped him obtain a teaching position in the Mancelona Public School system where he remained for 36 years serving that community.

Gary was such an amazing man and had a huge impact on many lives during his teaching career. As one student put it, “Mr. Z seemed to get the rough kids, and he did because he was what we needed. He truly cared about us, and we felt it.”

Gary had such compassion and joy coaching, scouting or helping with athletic events where he was known and revered by many. Gary loved to play ball and was part of two state championship teams in men’s softball. His family spent every summer at the ball park.

Gary loved his Lord and Savior dearly and served alongside his precious church family in Alba in whatever capacity he could. He will so be missed by them.

His love and compassion were expressed through his actions, and his family never doubted where his heart was. Lyndee and Darline always knew their Dad’s tender heart, and Gary was truly the wind beneath Judy’s sails.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Ivan and Beatrice (Boileau), parents-in-law Grace Louise and Rowan Jewell, sister Becky Purnell, brother-in-law Robert Gillespie, brother-in-law Tom Lanyi, nephew Luke Jewell, niece Sarah Smith, and precious daughter Anna Louise.

Gary is survived by his wife Judith (Jewell), his children Darline (Terry) Olds and Lyndee (Brian) Larson, his grandchildren Spencer and Carson Olds, sister Linda Lanyi, brother-in-law Jim and (Michelle) Jewell, sister-in-law Ruth and (Mark) Smith, sister-in-law Sherry Gillespie, brother-in-law Dan and Kris Purnell, numerous nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends during visitation hours on Monday, December 15, 2025 from 5pm-8pm and Tuesday, December 16, 2025 from 5pm-8pm. Funeral will be held at noon on December 17, 2025 at Mortensen Funeral Home located at 205 West State Street, Mancelona, MI 49659 with luncheon to follow at 2pm at Alba Sportsmen's Club, 5225 County Road 620, Alba, Michigan 49611.

For those unable to attend the funeral in person, the service will be livestreamed via the following link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2314346202?pwd=UzI1eEFmeHVZaDFPZ1RqUXVSS21zUT09&omn=89974871084

Meeting ID: 231 434 6202 Passcode: hello

If desired, memorial donations can be made to Alba Freedom Fellowship Church, PO Box 136, Alba, Michigan 49611.

Arrangements are in the care of the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com