Zimmerman, Rev. Gordon I., D.D. (1917-2005)

ZIMMERMAN

Posted By: John Schulte (email)
Date: 9/16/2005 at 12:33:58

Audubon County Advocate

Memorial services for Rev. Gordon I. Zimmerman, D.D. 88, former pastor of the Audubon Presbyterian Church, were conducted Aug. 26, 2005 at the Presbyterian Church of Stanley, in Overland Park, KS.

Gordon I. Zimmerman, the son of Emery E. and Helen F. Zimmerman was born March 6, 1917, in Bellevue, NE, and died Aug. 22, 2005.

He was baptized at the Avery Nebraska Presbyterian Church, May 13, 1917, and was confirmed at the First Presbyterian Church of West Bend, Feb. 6, 1927.

He graduated from Coe College, Cedar Rapids, with a letter in track in 1938 and from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago in 1941. He was ordained April 27, 1941. He served the First Presbyterian Church of Pardeeville, WI; the First Presbyterian Church of Audubon; and the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Scott, KS, where he retired in 1982 after 27 years. He received a Doctorate of Divinity from Sterling College in 1969.

He was married to his wife, Myrna, in 1942, while serving the Presbyterian Church in Pardeeville, WI.

In 1944, he accepted a call to the Audubon church, succeeding the Rev. Paul E. Parker, who had volunteered to serve as an Air Force chaplain during World War II. He served the Audubon Church during a very active time and accomplished many significant events: formation of the Mariners’ Club for married couples, a notable increase in membership, highlighted by receiving 69 members at one service in 1949; and an extensive remodelling project. After 11 1/2 years service in Audubon, Gordon accepted a call to the Ft. Scott Presbyterian Church where he remained for 27 1/2 years.

After retirement, he continued to serve the Lord as an interim and supply pastor for several years, and served on various Presbytery committees. He was a 50-year member of Rotary International.

Rev. Zimmerman is survived by his wife, Myrna and five children: Gordon of Reno, NV; Jane of Tucson, AZ; Bruce of Olathe, KS; Bill of Ft. Scott, KS; and Susan of Payson, AZ; 10 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.