Pete Zimmer of Byron Center is 99 years old. He still shows up to work every Monday, armed with a clipboard, walking the halls of UM Health-West in Wyoming.

Zimmer celebrated his 99th birthday Monday surrounded by hospital staff who surprised him with a cake and party in the hospital café. He has volunteered for the hospital's facilities department since 2017, logging more than 2,000 hours checking for maintenance and safety concerns across every level of the building.

A life of service

Zimmer entered the U.S. Navy at 17 years old during World War II. He said his father had to sign the paperwork for him to enlist.

"I entered service at 17 years old. In those days, you had to get your father to sign," Zimmer said.

He served in multiple units during the war and was discharged in 1946. But his military service was far from over.

"I was still in the Navy, and then when the Korean War broke, they called me back in with my squadron, so we went in immediately. Gave us four days to get ready," Zimmer said.

Zimmer retired from the Navy in 1992.

Finding purpose through volunteering

After losing his wife, Zimmer moved in with his daughter, Joy Dahlquist. She works in volunteer services at UM Health-West and encouraged him to start volunteering there.

"I'm really proud of him," Dahlquist said. "I think it's amazing. I can't believe he still does four or five hours here."

Zimmer said his facilities route involves a lot of walking, but he finds it worth the effort. He said he has met many wonderful people over the years and values the sense of productivity the work gives him.

"I think it's educational and certainly beneficial. I think I feel productive. I feel I made a contribution," Zimmer said.

A reliable presence

Jennifer DeVries, volunteer and guest services manager at UM Health-West, praised Zimmer's consistency.

"Pete's a joy. He comes in every Monday, pretty much like clockwork. He's very disciplined in his routine. We can only hope that all of us will do that when we're 99," DeVries said.

Zimmer said he did not expect to reach 99 and expressed gratitude for the birthday recognition from the hospital community.

"I can't imagine what 99 means. It's a number that I thought was something that's never attainable. I'm not a selfish person. I'm just appreciating the recognition that's been bestowed on me," Zimmer said.

Zimmer continues to volunteer four to five hours each week at UM Health-West.