Obituary for Robert M. Zimmerman

Robert M. Zimmerman, 85, of Harlan, died Thursday, March 05, 2009 at Myrtue Medical Center. Cremation Society of Eastern Central Western Iowa is assisting the family. No memorial services have been arranged. Robert McHenry Zimmerman was born to Roy McHenry Zimmerman and Lilly Irene Zimmerman on October 17, 1923 at their home in Frederick, Maryland. He married Brenda Kay Reese on October 13, 2000 after moving to Harlan on June 3, 2000. He was baptized and confirmed at the Church of Christ in Harlan, Iowa by Pastor Roy E. North. He grew up in Frederick, Maryland where he graduated from the Frederick high School in June 1940 and in August of the same year joined the United States Army and was shipped to the Islands of Hawaii where he was stationed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. He spent a total of 26 years active Military service and 14 years federal service with the ROTC department. He served at several overseas countries during his tour of active duty to include: Iceland, Germany, Okinawa and Iwo Shima. Robert served on the ROTC staff at Lafayette College, Easton, PA and the Pennsylvania State University at State college, PA where he served as an instructor. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Betty Irene Covell of Frederick, MD. Robert is survived by his loving wife, Brenda Kay Zimmerman of Harlan and her two daughters Brook and Cassey. Also, he is survived by his daughter Vicki Gilbert of Jacksonville, FL and 2 sons, James and Michael Zimmerman both of Jacksonville, FL; and 6 grandchildren.