Edwin Christian Zimmermann, III
August 13, 1956 ~ October 30, 2011
Edwin Christian Zimmermann III died on October 30, 2011, at home in the arms of his family in Vienna, VA. He was 55 years old. Dr. Zimmermann worked for nearly ten years at the Institute for Defense Analyses, and for 17 years as an analyst in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Dr. Zimmermann was educated as a chemist at the State University of New York at Buffalo, and received his doctorate in Chemistry at Stanford University.
Born in Highland Park, Michigan, and known to his family as Chris, Dr. Zimmermann pursued many enthusiasms with great enjoyment and skill. He brewed beer, created stained glass objects, raised poison dart frogs, designed and built aquaria and reptile habitats, and avidly studied Shakespeare. He was an excellent squash player and a ferociously supportive Detroit Red Wings fan. Tenacity and devotion to his family were his two outstanding traits. In the years of his difficult illness, he was unstoppable in both his daily work and in his weekend hiking and biking treks with his wife.
Chris is survived by Joan, his wife of 32 years, his son Cat Soren, and his daughter Varin Claire. He is also survived by his parents Edwin C. and Barbara Zimmermann, brothers Michael and David, and sister Beth Zimmermann Donnelly. He leaves behind many other family members and friends who will miss his energy and zeal.
The family wishes to extend its deep gratitude to Dr. Alexander I. Spira, an excellent physician who also became an excellent friend to both Chris and Joan. Donations in Chris’s name may be addressed to GRACE, 4616 25th Ave NE, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98105-4183, or made online at http://cancergrace.org/donate.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
Born in Highland Park, Michigan, and known to his family as Chris, Dr. Zimmermann pursued many enthusiasms with great enjoyment and skill. He brewed beer, created stained glass objects, raised poison dart frogs, designed and built aquaria and reptile habitats, and avidly studied Shakespeare. He was an excellent squash player and a ferociously supportive Detroit Red Wings fan. Tenacity and devotion to his family were his two outstanding traits. In the years of his difficult illness, he was unstoppable in both his daily work and in his weekend hiking and biking treks with his wife.
Chris is survived by Joan, his wife of 32 years, his son Cat Soren, and his daughter Varin Claire. He is also survived by his parents Edwin C. and Barbara Zimmermann, brothers Michael and David, and sister Beth Zimmermann Donnelly. He leaves behind many other family members and friends who will miss his energy and zeal.
The family wishes to extend its deep gratitude to Dr. Alexander I. Spira, an excellent physician who also became an excellent friend to both Chris and Joan. Donations in Chris’s name may be addressed to GRACE, 4616 25th Ave NE, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98105-4183, or made online at http://cancergrace.org/donate.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Dear Joan, Cat, Varin, Ed, Barb, Mike, Dave, and Beth; We are so sorry to hear about the death of Chris. During your time of sorrow, know that we are remembering you and honoring the memory of Chris. We send you thoughts of comfort and caring, and our prayers are with you. Our Deepest Sympathy, Pam, Mark, Zack, and Emily Grucza Pamela Downing Grucza
Joan, Cat and Varin I am so sorry about your loss. You have my deepest sympathy. I was Chris’ secretary when he worked at IDA. I used to call him, Dick Legault and Amnon Dalcher the “Three Musketeers”. They were always debating about something, it was always funny to me. Sometimes they got too loud and I would shoo them back to their offices. It was always interesting working with Chris. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Dear Joan, Cat, Varin, Uncle Ed and Aunt Barb, We are thinking and praying for your family. We are so sorry for the loss of Chris. all our love, The Martin Family
To all the Zimmermann families, We are so very sorry for for the loss of Chris, a wonderful friend, son, brother, father and husband. Lolly and Art Lewry
To Chris’s Family, Fred and I never had the chance to meet Chris, however we are friends of Ed and Barbara. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Our deepest sympathy. Fred and Margaret Herb
Dear Barbara and Ed, We are deeply saddened to hear that Chris has passed away, but know he will live forever in your hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Anne and Hank Ward
Dear Joan, Thank you for your personal note to me–it was certainly my pleasure working with Chris–one of the most unique individuals I’ve ever known! I will continue asking God, who is able to do much more than we can ask or think, to comfort you. Kevin Lackey