Zimmerman, George Washington 1859-1938

ZIMMERMAN, MERRIMAN, BERNER, LIPPKE, BRANDSTETTER

Posted By: Ardythe Rees Stoesz (email)
Date: 7/31/2007 at 16:38:31

From the LeMars Sentinel, Tuesday, May 3, 1938, Page 1, Column 5:

Widely Known Stockman And Farmer Dies

George W. Zimmerman Of Plymouth Township Dies After Brief Illness

Pioneer In Melbourne

Son of First Pastor In Floyd Valley Community

G. W. Zimmerman, 78, one of the substantial and progressive farmers of Plymouth county, a resident here since boyhood, died at his home in Plymouth township Friday morning, April 29. Mr. Zimmerman suffered a stroke of paralysis a week prior to his death and never rallied.

Mr. Zimmerman was born in the city of Baltimore, Maryland, July 6, 1859, and was a son of Rev. John J. and Theresa Merriman Zimmerman, natives of Germany, who spent their later years in America.

Rev. John Zimmerman, who was pastor of the first Evangelical church established in Plymouth county, received a good education in his native land. Coming to America when a young man he married Theresa Merriman, in Baltimore, where they lived until 1867, in which year he and his family came to Plymouth county and settled in the hamlet of Melbourne, in the Floyd Valley. Melbourne was the first county seat of Plymouth county. Rev. Zimmerman became pastor of the church there and also bought a farm. His death occurred the following spring and his wife was left with six children.

George Zimmerman grew to manhood on the home farm, assisting his mother and brothers in improving and developing the place. He received his education in the local schools and remained at home until after his marriage, when he moved to LeMars, where he lived for six years and then moved back to the farm known as the Bogenrief estate. Mr. Zimmerman was a successful farmer and added to his original land holdings and made a success raising good cattle and stock. He was active in community and church affairs and in the councils of the democratic party.

Mr. Zimmerman was married to Louise Berner February 18, 1883 (error--February 13, 1883). She preceded him in death on April 9, 1925 (error--June 9, 1925). A son, Roy, died in 1912 and a daughter in infancy. His death is mourned by his sons, W. G. Zimmerman, Frank and Arthur, his daughters, Mrs. I. E. Brandstetter of this county and Mrs. E. P. Lippke of Pipestone, Minn. There are 17 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Mr. Zimmerman was preceded in death by five brothers. William, Frank and Noah Zimmerman, his brothers, were well known citizens here during their life time. (Note--the two brothers not mentioned by name were Jacob and Charles.)

Six Grandsons Are Pallbearers

The funeral was held Sunday afternoon at the Stanton Evangelical churc. The pastor, Rev. Elmer Bauer and Rev. Karl Kaupp of Melbourne officiated. Six grandsons bore the body to the grave.