Ferdinand "Fred" Otto Zimdars, Jr.

   TOWN of WHEATLAND (LILY LAKE) – Fred Zimdars, 71, (formerly of Racine) died at his residence on Friday, March 11, 2011.

   He was born in Oshkosh on June 16, 1939, the son of the late Ferdinand O. and Ruth (nee: Spiering) Zimdars, Sr.  On June 27, 1964 he married Judith Rae Adams in Zion, Illinois. 

   Fred graduated from UW Stevens Point, majoring in Forestry and Natural Resources.  He worked for many years for the City of Racine’s Department of Parks and Recreation, retiring as director.  Upon his retirement from the city he worked as a project manager for Mohns Inc. Construction. 

   Fred was past president of the Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association.  He volunteered as a naturalist for the Richard Bong Recreation Area and was also very active in the fundraising efforts for its nature center.  He was also involved with the Caledonia Historical Society and the development of their new park.                 . 

   Fred was a gifted woodcarver and enjoyed teaching his craft at Central High School in Paddock Lake.

   In addition to his loving wife, Judy Zimdars of Wheatland Township, he is  survived by his children, Alisha (Scott) Lichtenwalner of Necedah, WI, Eric (fiancée, Danielle Christman) Zimdars of Racine; his grandchildren,  Robert and Kathrine Spear, Amanda and Anthony Zimdars; his great grandson, Gunner Hutchins; his brother and sister, Richard W. Zimdars of Eagle River and June (William) Simon of Atlanta, GA; his aunt, Lorraine Spiering of Oshkosh; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and dear friends.

   Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Friday, March 18, 2011 at noon for the celebration of Fred’s life and memorial service with Rev. Jane Fryda officiating.   There will be a visitation from 11 am. until noon.  In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to the Caledonia Historical Society Park Fund (attn.: LeRoy Schmidt  6928 5 Mile Rd.  Racine, WI 53402), UW Stevens Point: UWSP Foundation- The Robert J. Englehardt Forestry Endowment (2100 Main St. Stevens Point, WI 54481-3897) or the Racine Lion’s Club. 

   Fred’s family would like to thank Dr. James Moran and his staff for the excellent and loving care they provided.  Also, a special thank you to the Twin Lakes and the Wheatland Fire and Rescue Departments, the Salem Rescue Department and the Kenosha County Sheriff Department for their professional and expedient response and assistance.

   Fred believed in giving and helping others throughout his life.  His family has allowed him to give in death as well by helping others through organ and tissue donation.