Bernita "Nikki" Zimmerman

Nikki Zimmerman was born in Muscatine, Iowa on June 1, 1941 as the youngest of 4 children to Raymond and Bernice Sullivan. Early in life she enjoyed horse back riding and music. Nikki Grew up in Cedar Rapids and started music at Keeney Guitar where she took lessons on the Hawaiian Steel for 5 years ages 9-14. She started playing guitars with a school friend and they began playing music in local private clubs. She toured with the concert choir and studied Music Appreciation for the last three years of high school and picked up a few tips on playing lead from local musicians from the area and listening to 45’s. She taught Guitar at Hiltbrunner’s Music for a short time. Later she would be contacted by sax man, from Charles City to go on the road. He had been contacted by an agent from Minneapolis who was putting on a road group to tour. She would then form a band, Miss Nikki and the No Names who originated from Roosevelt-Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids. Miss Nikki and the No Names would record two singles “Gotta a message and Bony Moronie” in 1961. She met and married Glen Zimmerman and moved to Riverside, Ca. In 1963. They had 4 children Laurie, Chuck, Janis and Glen Jr. Her son, Charles “Chuck” Zimmerman would proceed her in death in 1980. Glen and Nikki enjoyed horseback riding, rodeos and music. After settling in California Nikki would continue her music career working with Li’l Bit Country, Nite Life and the Country Hoedowners. In 2001 Nikki would be inducted into The Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as an “ Artist Performer who Rocked Iowa”. She would perform at the induction ceremony reunited with many friends. Later in life, Nikki worked as Regional Director for a non-profit organization serving the special needs community. Nikki enjoyed traveling the world and visiting family. In her spare time she loved watching baseball, baking, painting and crafting. Her greatest joy was spending time with family, especailly her grandkids and great-grandkids. Her unwavering faith as a devout Catholic who cherished the Lord lead her to treasure her family and the Lord above all else. Her life was a testament to the importance of family, and she leaves behind a legacy of deep devotion, love, music, and memories that will be cherished for generations. Nikki was a genuinely kind soul, and was always in touch with her quick wit, with a sense of humor that stayed with her until her final days. A Hall of Famer, an extraordinary grandmother, and a devoted believer, Nikki will be dearly missed. In her words,“Keep The Faith”. Nikki leaves behind three children, Laurie Zimmerman of Hesperia, Ca. Janis Graybill (Jon) Victorville, Ca. and Glen Zimmerman Jr. (Denise)Los Alamitos, Ca., 9 Grand Children and 5 Great Grand Children.

Bernita "Nikki" Zimmerman

June 1, 1941 - November 15, 2024