Chris Zimmer

Chris Zimmer, a man whose spirit was as robust as the craft beers he adored, left us on September 4, 2024, with the same grace and ease with which he would kick back on his porch after a long day. Born in Moline, IL, on August 27, 1956, Chris's journey came full circle as he passed away in the same town.

Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 14, at noon - whenever at Radical Effects Brewerks 1340 31st St, College Hill West District, Rock Island, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family for a toast to Chris at his celebration of life.

Chris was the kind of guy who could fix a leaky faucet with one hand while cracking a beer with the other—handy was his middle name. His partner, Natalie Shaw, was his perfect match, sharing his love for brewery tours and collecting craft beer labels. Together, they turned every trip into an adventure, leaving no stone (or bar stool) unturned.

His mother, Betty Marco, and mother-in-law, Bev Shaw (Bill Jones), often said Chris could charm the bark off a tree—and they weren't wrong. His friendly demeanor was as reliable as his carpentry skills, which he honed over years of shaping wood and friendships alike. His sister, Darcy Hodel, and his stepsiblings, Bryan (Peggy) Marco and Karen (Bruce) Marco-Dodge, knew him as the family's go-to for both repairs and laughs, while his sister-in-law, Darcy (Jeff) Dupont, could always count on him for a spirited debate.

Chris's legacy is carried on by his children, Blake (Jody) Zimmer and Amber (Brian) Davis, who inherited his knack for smoking food and his penchant for porch-sitting. His grandchildren, Anthony (Tiffany) Zimmer, Devon (Rebecca) Zimmer, Cheyenne Zimmer, Alexandria (Matthew) Nelson, and Olivia Davis, along with his great-grandchildren, Christine, Lucas, Jayden, Jase, and Jordyn, will miss his larger-than-life stories and the twinkle in his eye that hinted at a joke always on the cusp of being told.

Chris's life was a testament to the joy of simple pleasures. He was a man who found happiness in the bite of a good IPA or a quiet sunset. His presence was a reminder that life doesn't have to be complicated to be fulfilling.

In his professional life, Chris was a carpenter who could turn a slab of wood into a masterpiece, much like how he turned every moment into a memory.

Chris was the embodiment of a life well-lived. He was the friend who would show up at your door with a six-pack of your favorite microbrew just because. His life was punctuated by the clink of glasses, the sizzle of barbecue, and the warmth of good company.

So, let's raise a glass to Chris Zimmer, a man who taught us that the best way to measure life is not in years but in the number of times you leave the world a little brighter than you found it. Chris, you nailed it.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and express condolences on his Memory Page at wendtfuneralhome.com