CLETUS J. “CLETE” ZIMMERMANN
ST. PAUL SCHOOL 1911-1919

Cletus Zimmermann attended St. Paul School from 1911 to 1919. He attended and graduated as Valedictorian from Quincy College of Business in 1922.

Clete’s first position was with Spengel’s Furniture Store as a bookkeeper and salesman. He next went to work for Wick’s Organ Company. He started as a stockroom clerk in 1922 and ended as sales manager and corporate secretary after 20 years. After leaving Wick’s in 1942, Clete acquired a 1/3 interest in Highland Machine. Upon the death of one of the partners, Clete became sole owner of the company. In 1945 he was elected to the Board of Directors of the First National Bank and served in that capacity for 30 years until his retirement in 1975. In 1947 Clete and his brother Harold Zimmermann purchased greenhouses and land and one year later opened Petite Floral Company. Clete also purchased Community Lumber Company in 1954. While in the lumber business, he started the purchase of land and established Zimco Enterprises, which developed a number of subdivisions in Highland including Alpine Acres, Swiss Village, Town and Country, Petite Acres, Lakeland Terrace, Community Acres and others. After 40 years with Highland Machine, Clete sold his interest and retired, but still served as Chairman. Mr. Zimmermann donated the land to the City of Highland, which is now Merwin Park.

Cletus Zimmerman was a member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight from 1925-1927. He helped found and promote the Highland Manufacturer’s Association and was instrumental in the development of the Highland Swimming Pool. He was also a member of St. Paul Church, Holy Home Society, Highland Chamber of Commerce, Kings House Retreat Center and the Highland Country Club.

Mr. Zimmermann passed away in 1990 at the age of 85.