Milton and Charlotte Zimmerman co-founded Zimmerman Construction Company, a construction business, in 1950. They spent almost a half-century in this industry and were involved with several large projects during that time. They were responsible for developing many outstanding neighborhoods in Bellevue and Clyde, Ohio. They built more than 500 homes and 100 apartments during Milton’s career.
 

A Man of Service
As a navigator and bombardier in the Air Force during World War II, Milton was part of the D-Day invasion of France. He was justifiably proud of his military career and was a member of the 9th Air Force Association and the American Air Museum in Britain. His experience in the military was just the first step in a life-long commitment of service to others.
 

A Civic Leader
Milton understood the importance of economic development when it became a community priority upon the closing of the General Electric lamp plant in the 1980s. At the time, Milton was a director of the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, and he joined with other business leaders to form the Bellevue Development Corporation. From 1983 to 1996, Milton served in a number of capacities in both organizations, including as vice president and president, and often served on both boards at the same time. He was selected to the Bellevue High School Halls of Excellence, he served as President of St. John’s Lutheran Church and he was selected as Citizen of the Year for Bellevue.

Milton held a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The Ohio State University. He was a Rotarian and a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotarian International, as well as a 32nd degree Mason and Shriner. He also was an elder, trustee, and Chairman of the Congregation of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bellevue.
 

Milton passed away in 1998. He is greatly missed, but his legacy lives on.
 

Charlotte was a civic leader as well, and like Milton, also was named Citizen of the Year for Bellevue. Charlotte was a founding board member of the original food pantry in Bellevue (called “Fish and Loaves”). She also served as chair of the Bellevue Public Library and president of St. John’s Lutheran Church. Charlotte was the first Treasurer of the Bellevue Athletic Boosters and was involved in many parent-teacher organizations. Charlotte also was selected to the Bellevue High School Halls of Excellence.