Robert "Bob" Charles Zimmerman

Robert Charles Zimmerman (76), known to many as Bob, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away at Hospice of Northwest Ohio on September 22, 2025. He was born in Toledo, Ohio, on July 8, 1949.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James William Zimmerman Sr. and Carolyn May (Miller) Zimmerman, and by his brother, Frederick Howard Zimmerman.

Bob is survived by his daughter Susan May Zimmerman (Ryan Pliner), and Jeffery Owen Zimmerman (Melissa). He is also survived by his brothers Dr. James William Zimmerman Jr. (Nancy) and John Edward Zimmerman (Marsha). Known affectionately as Uncle Bob by his eight nieces and nephews — Dr. James William Zimmerman III (Erica); Mary Christine Watkins (Kennedy); Robin May Helzerman; April Marie Schafer (Neal); Elizabeth Grace Lewis (Alex); Abby Miller Zimmerman; Peter Frederick Zimmerman; and Kate Nicole Zimmerman; Great-nieces and nephews Lucas, Felix & Asher Helzerman, Scarlett & Stella Schafer and Nolan Zimmerman— his family was a rich source of joy and pride to him.

Bob was a national leader and acknowledged expert in advertising, strategic marketing, trade channel marketing, and co-operative advertising for some of the world’s leading corporations. During his career, he was inducted into the Co-op Advertising Hall of Fame, recognizing his achievements in advertising and sales promotion. He was twice honored with the “Promotional Advertising Innovation of the Year” award from the National Association for Promotional Allowance Advertising. He also achieved the Certified Business Communicator designation, a recognition awarded globally to professionals meeting exacting standards of education, experience, knowledge, and conduct in business-to-business marketing communications.

Many companies benefited from Bob’s extraordinary marketing genius including McDonalds Burger King & Boy Scouts of America before his long tenure at Champion Spark Plug, where his work shaped and influenced racing and trade channel strategies. For more than 30 years he was Owner of R.C. Zimmerman & Associates, Bellwether Promotions, and Owner and Publisher of the Car Care News Service. Additionally, he was the VIP Chair and General Co-chair for the Toledo German American Festival. Bob also dedicated time and energy to philanthropic work, as he served as President of the Old Newsboys Goodfellow Association, which provided coats and shoes for Toledo Public School children in need.

Bob was the life of the party, the kind of person who could fill a room with laughter the moment he walked in. He was known for his quick wit, often delivering a sharp remark or even a well-timed “Eff-you” that somehow made people feel more like friends than offended. Bob had a gift for connection, making friends with anyone and everyone, and he carried that spirit everywhere he went. He was quick to extend an invitation to Thanksgiving, welcoming others to his table as though they had always been part of the family. His humor, warmth, and generosity created memories that will be cherished by all who knew him.

He would most certainly want everyone to raise a glass and cheer “Ein Prosit” or any of your preferred toasts in honor of him.

A viewing will be held Friday, September 26, 2025, from 2–8 p.m., with a memorial service Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 11 a.m., both at Walter Funeral Home, 4653 Glendale Avenue, Toledo, Ohio. Visit www.walterfuneralhome.com for the complete obituary and livestreaming information. Those wishing to offer a memorial are asked to consider in Bob’s name to The Old Newsboys Goodfellow Association. www.toledonewsboys.org.