Otto Zimmerman
Dec. 25, 1874-Sept. 3, 1940
Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, September 3, 1940, page 1, col. 8, cont. page 2, col. 7, microfilm Niles District Library
OTTO ZIMMERMAN, LIFE RESIDENT OF NILES, SUCCUMBS
Burns Inflicted by “Live” Wire Fatal to Kawneer Worker
Injuries suffered two weeks ago when he fell against a live wire s he was climbing a fence near The Kawneer plant, proved fatal today to Otto Zimmerman.
Mr. Zimmerman, who had lived in Niles all his life and been employed for 25 years by The Kawneer Company died in Pawating hospital at 5:15 this morning. He was 65 years old.
Feared Pursuit, Fell
The accident which caused his death occurred when Mr. Zimmerman, fearing that strikers or pickets at the Kawneer might bar his entrance to the plant, approached the factory from the rear. He was hastening to work, and climbed a fence to avoid contact with a person he believed was pursuing him.
As he climbed the fence he fell, striking a high tension wire and suffering severe burns. An arm was amputated and the victim suffered for two weeks from burns and loss of blood. Transfusions proved futile.
With Kawneer 25 Years
Mr. Zimmerman leaves his wife, Minnie; a brother, Edward, of Niles, and a sister, Mrs. Edward Jacobs, Elkhart; also a niece, Mrs. Bessie Taylor, who has lived with the Zimmermans in their home at 1614 North Twelfth street.
He started work for The Kawneer Company 25 years ago and at the time of his death held a position in the crating room. He was a member of the Kawneer Twenty-Five Year club.
He was born in Niles, Dec. 25, 1874, and had lived here all his life.
Married Sept. 2, 1911
Mr. and Mrs. Zimmerman were married 25 years ago Monday. Mrs. Zimmerman, was the former Miss Minnie Wadel, of Niles. The ceremony was performed Sept. 2, 1911, in St. John's church here.
Funeral services will be Friday afternoon at 2 in the Price and Kiger funeral home, the Rev. Theo Eisen officiating. Friends may call that eh Price and Kiger funeral home.
Mr. Zimmerman was a member of St. John's church, St. John's Brotherhood, and the Maccabee and New Era lodges.
Niles Daily Star, Friday, September 6, 1940, page 2, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library
Otto Zimmerman's Rites Held Today
Services for the late Otto Zimmerman were held in the Price andKiger funeral home this afternoon at 2, the Rev. Theo Eisen officiating.
Mr. Zimmerman died Tuesday in Pawating hospital of injuries suffered when he came in contact with a live wire.
Pallbearers were six nephews, all of Niles—Harold, Clarence, DeVerne and Alfred Asmus, and Frederick and George Wadel.