Donald R. "Don" Zimmer

September 29, 1923 - June 23, 2019

PIERCE -- Memorial service for Donald R. "Don" Zimmer, 95, of Pierce, will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 27, 2019 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Pierce with Reverend Gordon Bruce officiating. Inurnment will be at the Prospect View Cemetery, rural Pierce. Military rites will be conducted by the Tomek-Otto Post 72 American Legion of Pierce, Nebraska American Legion Riders, and the United States Army Honors Guard. Don died Sunday, June 23, 2019 at the Heritage of Bel Air Nursing Home in Norfolk. Stonacek Memorial Chapel in Pierce is in charge of the arrangements. Donald Roy Zimmer was born on September 29, 1923 in Pierce, Nebraska to Nick and Pauline (Krause) Zimmer. Don attended country school rural Pierce, then Pierce Public school, and graduated from Pierce High School in 1941. After graduation, Don worked for the Pierce newspaper. He then served in the United States Army from February 4, 1943 to December 14, 1945, serving in the Philippines and New Guinea. He received numerous awards for his service including the Purple Heart medal. After honorable discharge from the service, Don moved back to Pierce and continued working for the Pierce newspaper where he was promised to have his job back when he returned from his service. Don married Mildred "Millie" Lorenz on May 8, 1947 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Pierce, and the couple continued living in Pierce. Don worked for the newspaper until retiring in 1985. Don enjoyed fishing, hunting, rock and fossil hunting, making jewelry, singing in the church choir, bowling, coloring, and attending many Pierce Blue Jay sporting events with his wife Millie. Don also enjoyed spending time with his family. Don was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Pierce, Pierce Historical Society, past president of the Ashfall Fossil Beds, member of the Tomek-Otto Post 72 American Legion of Pierce and he held numerous positions there throughout his life most recently being the Sergeant of Arms. Don recently received his membership card of 74 years in the American Legion. Survivors include his spouse Millie Zimmer of Norfolk, son Gary (Mary) Zimmer of Pierce, daughter Sheryl (Paul) Buss of Pierce, 6 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, sister Shirley (Bud) Hetrick of Pierce. Don was preceded in death by his parents Nick and Pauline. Organist will be Linda Peekenschneider. Honorary casket bearers will be Don's grandchildren. Condolences may be expressed to the family on-line at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.