Erika Zimmerman (nee: Hertel)

June 20th, 1941 – March 30th, 2023

Erika Zimmerman of Downers Grove, Illinois and Ava, Missouri passed away early morning, March 30 ^th , 2023, surrounded by so much love from her beloved Husband and family.

Erika was welcomed into this world on June 20 ^th , 1941, by her dear Mother and Father, Friederika (nee: Bloch) and Artur Hertel, and her loving Schwesterlein, Sister Lilli (Dabov) in a small, charming town in East Germany during WWII.

Artur was born in Chicago and was a US citizen but was raised and grew up in Germany where he was brought as a toddler by his mother. He met and married his beautiful Wife, Frieda and they began their Family, and were hosts in their sweet Bed and Breakfast Inn. Artur was drafted into the German Army, and eventually ended up as a Russian POW, from which he never returned to his Family.

This left Frieda and the girls to endure many hardships, but they survived due to their mother's courage and fearlessness, and Frieda was able to bring her little Family to the United States with the help of the Red Cross and through the Sponsorship of her Father-in-Law, Adolf Hertel, who still lived in Chicago.

Frieda, Lilli and Erika sailed to the United States on the S.S. Neptunia in March of 1952, and journeyed to Chicago where they were welcomed by their grandfather. Erika had many fond memories of their arrival and always shared how grateful they were to come to America! As she would say: "Erika – like America!"

Erika was SO proud to become an American citizen the first moment she was able, on August 23, 1960.

Erika is survived by her devoted Husband of 55 years, Arnold Zimmerman.

They were married March 23 ^rd , 1968, in a Fly-In wedding at the Wagon Wheel at the Chapel by the Side of the Road in Rockton, Illinois.

They raised their Family in Downers Grove, Illinois, where Erika treasured her beautiful yard and gardens and prided herself on the Frank Lloyd Wright layout which she used to design both her home and garden at their home in Illinois.

Erika and Arnie enjoyed many great Adventures together in Life, Flying all over the Northern Hemisphere for over 47 years in their Piper Aztec.

They often flew to the Turks and Caicos Islands, becoming a part of the close, loving Family to many in South Caicos, where they also owned bayfront property. Erika especially loved Ma Curley's "pastalitas," an Island Specialty handmade meat pocket, and homemade conch fritters.

They also traveled to Martha's Vineyard on the East Coast, San Juan Islands in Washington State, flew from Cozumel, Mexico over Cuba to Key West, Florida; California, Canada; Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Haiti, and many other fantastic places.

Over Memorial Day weekend in 1974, Arnie and Erika found a special location in picturesque Ava, Missouri which became their second home, affectionately named the ARNIKA Ranch, a combination of Arnie and Erika's names.

The Arnika imparts a perfect area for a grass airstrip, so they were able to conveniently fly to Ava many times over the decades, and also welcome Family and Friends from everywhere both by air and land.

Erika created endless memories and made many forever Friends in Ava over the years, who she dearly loved, and they loved her as well.

In late 2020, Arnie and Erika officially relocated to their home in Ava, where Erika enjoyed cultivating her lovely gardens and creating a welcome place for friends to visit. Erika loved the endless beautiful sunrises and sunsets from their porch and frequented her favorite nearby Baker Creek Seed Farm.

Erika was a regular Member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Chicago and also Christ Church of Oak Brook. She also attended Trinity Lutheran in Ava. Erika's favorite Bible verse was the 23 ^rd Psalm.

Erika is survived by her loving children, Christopher Lotito, Aymee Zimmerman, Debbie Zimmerman-Joedicker, Richard Zimmerman and Beatrice Fullington.

Erika was welcomed into Heaven by her precious Pilot Grandson, Joseph Ermel, who undoubtedly Flew her Home on a beautiful Sunrise Flight to Heaven.

Erika's treasured Grandchildren include Joshua Zimmerman, Emily Ermel, Lauren Magnino nee: Lotito, Tyler Lotito, Amanda and Dylan Zimmerman, and Trico Fullerton; and sweet Great Grandchildren Tatum and Brooks, Jaxon and Jake, and Kaison.

Erika adored her dear niece and nephew, Dana and Gregory Dabov, and countless others near and far.

Erika was fondly known as "Tante Erika" or Auntie Erika to numerous loved ones.

Erika embraced everyone she met with Love and always shared her beautiful Bright Smile with the World.

Erika made Dear Lifelong Friends everywhere she went, and from all over the World, including sweet Shuko Sato from Japan, who in true fashion, Erika met at the Las Vegas Airport and struck up a conversation almost 30 years ago in 1996. Shuko visited Erika several times, and was considered a part of the Family.

Erika was a lifelong and accomplished Aesthetician and Cosmetologist.

Starting out in her basement salon, Erika became the proud proprietor of her innovative Day Spa, Erika's Hair-Um in Darien, Illinois since December, 1979.

She then opened a unique Gift Shop called The Cottage Gifts which later became the location of her special Life-Coaching program, Once Upon a Time in the Real World, where she was named the Fairy God-Mother by a Louise Hay workshop.

Erika was President of the Darien Chamber of Commerce and organized many events like the Darien Easter Bunny Gala and the 4 ^th of July Parade, Erika also created and coordinated the Darien Fest, now in its 35 ^th year.

Erika served on the Chicago Cosmetology Association Board and was a long time Member of the National (NCA) Illinois (ICA) and Chicago (CCA) Cosmetology Associations.

In 2001, Erika became the original "Queen Mother" of the local Red Hat Society with over 250 registered members in her Purple Dollies Chapter, which still continues today in the local area.

Erika's beautiful smile and warm, welcoming embrace will be missed by all.

Erika loved Bluebirds, Sunflowers and Lady Bugs, so when you see one, think of Erika and she will be Smiling.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services, Springfield.