Mrs. Sharon D. Zimpelmann

December 29, 1951 - March 1, 2017

Sharon Zimpelmann, age 65, of Mokena, peacefully took her last breath March 1, 2017 after battling Multiple Sclerosis for 25 years. Preceded in death by her parents Robert and Verna Ternig and her eldest brother, Joe Ternig. Survived by her husband Lew of 39 years; son Jason (Leila) Zimpelmann; daughter Jamie Zimpelmann; Grandmother to Charlie, Andrik and Adrienne; aunt and great aunt to many nieces and nephews. Born December 29, 1951, Sharon was born the 3rd of six children, and the only girl. Growing up in a three bedroom bungalow in Mount Greenwood, Illinois, she had to share a bedroom with her brothers. She graduated college from Concordia River Forest, Illinois and went on to pursue her Masters in Education in 1974 at John Carroll in Cleveland, Ohio. Lew got out of the Army in 1973 and moved back to Ohio. They crossed paths at Messiah Lutheran Church in Fairview Park, Ohio in 1975, where she had her first teaching job. After Lew passed inspection by all of her brothers, they were married June 18, 1977. They had their first child in 1979. Lew then got transferred to Hartford, Connecticut with Aetna Insurance. They stayed there for a year and a half, but Sharon wanted to be closer to family. so They moved back to Illinois in 1981 and had their second child in 1982. A loyal wife and proud mother, Sharon was always involved in every aspect of her children's lives...from homework to soccer games to marching band to PTA meetings, she always had time for what was important. Family always came first. She spent most of her career in the Homer 33C School district as a Resource Reading Teacher, making sure every student knew how to read at their grade level. Even after learning about her MS diagnosis in 1992, she had amazing strength to continue teaching every day. In the early 2000's, Sharon's MS symptoms began progressing and she went on Early Medical Disability in 2003. That didn't stop her from getting involved with support groups and activities. We grieve our loss but rejoice for her gained freedom in her new heavenly body, free of sickness and pain. She loved Jesus and was a devout church member. We know she's now flying her beautiful angel wings since there is no MS in heaven. We apologize for any spell check errors as Sharon always proofread papers for her kids! Please make donations to http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Walk/ILDWalkEvents?team_id=513408&pg=team&fr_id=28499 Her family created a team for "Momma Z" before her passing and will proudly walk in her honor raising money and awareness for MS. Memorial Service will be held at Vandenburg Funeral Home. 17248 Harlem Ave, Tinley Park, IL 60477. March 11, 2017 from 11am-3pm. The family is asking you come prepared with stories about Sharon, as there will be an open service at 2pm to share them.