Fr. Ellis J. (James) Zimmer, O.F.M. Capuchin, age 81, died Monday at St. Paul Elder Services, Kaukauna. He was born on June 24, 1929 in Menasha to the late Jacob and Edith Mary (Schwalen) Zimmer. Fr. Ellis made his First Profession of Vows September 1, 1948, Perpetual Vows September 1, 1951 and was ordained to the Priesthood September 8, 1955. Serving the poor was his life's work. He was a co-founder of Dwelling Place (a Milwaukee retreat house for the poor) and served as a retreat minister and preacher in Madison, Detroit, Milwaukee, Saginaw and Appleton. Fr. Ellis built a one-room hermitage and lived in Appleton as a hermit for some years. He enjoyed writing music and poetry, playing the guitar, singing and nature walks.

Fr. Ellis is survived by his siblings: Rita Gruentzel, Appleton; Fred (Patricia), Appleton; Paul (Patricia), Lutz, FL; Carol (Steve Reed), Aurora, CO; and Dan (Terese), Newbury Park, CA; sisters-in-law: Dolores and Beverly Zimmer; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Fr. Ellis was preceded in death by his brothers Francis and Edward; brother-in-law Richard Gruentzel; and sister-in-law Irene Zimmer.

Visitation will be held at ST. JOSEPH PARISH (404 W. Lawrence St. Appleton) Thursday January 6, 2010 beginning at 6:00 p.m. until time of Wake Service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue at ST. JOSEPH PARISH Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Resurrection at 10:30 a.m. Fr. John Celichowski, Capuchin Provincial Minister, will officiate. Committal will take place in spring at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph (1820 Mt. Elliot St. Detroit, MI 48207).

"God is love and those who abide in love abide in God and God in him/her."