Zimmerman, Richard 1844-1941

ZIMMERMAN, GARRELS, NIEHAUS, MUELLER, STRUCK, HAGGE, DIRKS, FRERICK

Posted By: Janet Schuldt, Volunteer (email)
Date: 7/28/2012 at 12:25:22

Hawarden Independent, Hawarden, Sioux, Iowa, USA Thursday, September 4, 1941

R, A. Zimmerman Dies Friday

Ireton's oldest resident, and one of the oldest in Sioux county, passed away peacefully at about midnight last Friday. R. A. Zimmerman has been a landmark in Ireton.

He was born in Yiebing Ost Friesland, Germany, Nov. 1, 1844. He came with his parents to America when he was eight years old. They settled at Alton, Illinois, and Mr. Zimmerman helped his parents in their truck garden there. He was confirmed in the Lutheran faith March 29, 1861, in Madison county, Illinois.

At the outbreak of the Civil war, he went to work for the government, making harness at St. Louis, MO. He married Miss Gertrude Garrels in 1871. The Zimmermans came to Ireton to make their home in 1884, and he has lived here ever since—57 years.

Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Zimmerman. The eldest, Tena —Mrs. Martin Mueller—died in 1910. Those who survive the father are John Zimmerman of Ireton, Mrs. Matilda Niehaus of Granada, Minn., Miss Hannah Zimmerman of Ireton, Mrs. Bertha Struck of Fairmont, Minn., and Mrs. Mary Hagge of Ireton. There also are 15 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, two sisters, Mrs. John Dirks and Mrs. George Frerick, both of Plymouth county.

Mrs. Zimmerman died 12 years ago. Mr, Zimmerman readied the ripe old age of 96 years, nine months and 29 days. His always was an active life. He was in business in Ireton for many years. Mr. Zimmerman was a believer in Sioux county, and gained many of its acres. He was respected highly by all.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon from the home and St.Paul's Lutheran church, with the Rev. H. W. Krieger in charge. The pall bearers were Henry Breaks, Carl Braaks, Edward Benit, Fred Schuette, Harry Johnson and John Vlotho Jr. Burial was in Pleasant Hill cemetery.