Sally Zimmerman Gardapee passed away unexpectedly at home on Monday, December 29th, 2025.
Sally was born Sally Frances Sedall on April 21st, 1952, to Don and Bette Sedall in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. She graduated with the class of 1970 from Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids.
She married John Reetz in August 1974 in Stevens Point, and together they had one daughter, Stacey. John preceded her in death in 2020.
Sally married Ron Zimmerman on November 4th, 1978, and was blessed with his two sons, Kristofer and Erik. He preceded her in death in 2016.
Sally began her 40 year career in the medical field by working at the Medical Arts Building, Manitowoc Family Practice Associates, and finally Holy Family Memorial where she served as the Administrative Director of Clinic Operations until the time of her retirement in 2014.
Sally married Jim Gardapee on August 21st, 2021, at their home in Plymouth surrounded by dear friends and family. She was warmly welcomed into their family and richly blessed with more children and grandchildren. Jim and Sally spent their winter months in Mesa, AZ and their summer months in Plymouth, WI.
Sally was deeply involved in her community for decades; giving of her time and talent serving on local non-profit boards and volunteering for numerous organizations. Sally volunteered her time with Heart-A-Rama, benefiting the American Heart Association, for over 35 years. Sally served on the City of Manitowoc Common Council from 1999-2004. From 2012-2014, she served on The Haven of Manitowoc County Board of Directors; her prior experience on Common Council was pivotal in establishing the location of The Haven. Once she started to snowbird in Arizona regularly, she served as co-chair of The Variety Show at SunLife Resort, with all proceeds benefitting Sunshine Acres, a home for children separated from their parents. She enjoyed her time being the “bingo lady,” regularly calling bingo numbers at SunLife as well.
Sally enjoyed gardening, teaching exercise classes, spending time with her grandchildren, traveling, and being with her family and friends whenever she had the chance. She was always up for an adventure, evident by skydiving for the first time at the age of 65. Sally also loved spending the chilly months with her close friends at SunLife Resort in Arizona. She was the epitome of style and grace. Her ability to walk in 5-inch heels all day was unmatched. She had an incredible work ethic and was a woman of her word. She lived her life according to her values. Sally, although tiny in stature, brought big, welcoming, and friendly energy wherever she went. She was genuine and authentically herself.
Sally leaves behind her husband Jim Gardapee, her son Krist (Clare) Zimmerman, and her daughter Stacey (Christopher) McDonell; Jim’s children Jason (Charlie) Gardapee and Amanda (Justine) Gardapee. Her grandchildren include Krist and Clare’s children Kayleigh and Callum; Stacey’s daughter, Bryanna, and Christopher’s children, Delaney, Kathryn, and Kaeden; Jason and Charlie’s daughters Alivia and Ellie; Amanda and Justine’s son Graham and another grandbaby on the way.
Sally is survived by her three brothers: Dick (Rhonda) Sedall, Bruce Sedall, and Brian Sedall; nieces and nephews include Luke (Lindsay) Sedall; Katie (Joe) Seubert and their children Jada and Kenna; Matthew Sedall; Andrew Sedall; Jennyfer (Travis) Primeau and their children Hunter and Tucker; and Tyler Sedall.
She is further survived by her uncle David Oleson, brothers and sisters in law, many cousins, and dear friends including the Ethel to her Lucy, Pam Riha.
She was proceeded in death by a son Erik, parents Don and Bette, aunts, uncles, and cousins, and dear friend Mary Vallis.
Relatives and friends may greet the family at Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, 628 N. Water St., Manitowoc, on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 4:00PM until a Time of Sharing at 7:00PM. Further visitation will be held at First Lutheran Church, 521 N. 8th St., on Tuesday, January 13, at 10:00AM to 10:45AM. The Funeral Service will be officiated by Rev. Andrew Wendle at 11:00AM. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, after which all are invited to a luncheon at Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 N. Water St.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Sally’s name can be made to The Haven of Manitowoc County, The Crossing of Manitowoc County, Heart-A-Rama, or Sunshine Acres.
