Zane Edward Grimm

Zane Edward “Babe” Grimm was born in Cleveland on Nov. 12, 1925 and died Dec. 14, 2018. He was a young 93, charming people with his humor, his energy and his ability to enjoy the everyday — a man well-loved and a life well-lived.

Zane was a proud World War II veteran who joined the Navy at 17 and served from 1943-47 on the USS New York, USS Donaldson and USS Amphion. Those four years shaped the rest of his life. After his service, Zane stayed in touch with his shipmates and attended reunions all over the country.

Except for a stint as the Physical Director at the YMCA, he spent his career supporting veterans after he earned his master’s degree in 1954. Zane’s last professional position was at the San Francisco VA where he served as a Physical Therapist heading the rehab program and working with amputees during the Vietnam War. He was world renowned in his field of corrective therapy and his papers were published in numerous medical journals.

Zane lost the love of his life, Elaine, in 2002. While he missed her terribly, he continued to live a full, independent and active life. He also loved hanging out with his many friends of all ages and spending time at the family’s Lake County property.

Zane lived in San Francisco for more than 60 years, but inexplicably remained a Browns fan.

Zane was predeceased by his wife, Elaine Saltzman Grimm, to whom he was married for 49 years, his sister, Muriel Aaronson, and his nieces Lorie Aaronson and Michelle Kern. He is survived by his daughters, Nanette Grimm and Maureen Grimm, his son-in-law Ofer Amir, his older brother and sister-in-law Nelson and Ida Grimm, his nieces and nephews Dee-Dee Sberlo, Sue Barnett, Terri Aaronson, Shelley Aaronson Soulema, Dale Aaronson, O. Steven Grimm, Beverly Grimm and their families, and many great-nieces and greatnephews. He also leaves a beloved circle of friends, including the Guilfoyle family, next-door neighbors for 60+ years.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 20 at at Home of Peace Cemetery in Colma. Donations can be made in Zane Grimm’s memory to Muttville, a nonprofit that facilitates adoptions of senior dogs. Donate to Muttville, 255 Alabama St., SF, CA 94103, or donate. muttville.org.