Obituary of H. Robert Bud Zimmer

A funeral service for H. Robert (Bud) Zimmer, 89 of Milford will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at the First Lutheran Church in West Okoboji with burial following at Riverside Cemetery in Spencer. Visitation will begin Monday, November 27th at the Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Milford after 5:00 p.m. with the family present at the funeral home from 5 to 7p.m. Hugh Robert "Bud" Zimmer was born July 11, 1928. Born in Mason City, IA to Hugh & Adelia (Barglof) Zimmer. At the age of three his family moved from a farm back to Greenville, to a family farm. At five he started school at Greenville Consolidated School. He graduated at 16 from Greenville High School in 1945. He had one older sister Shirley (Palmer Gilleland) and one younger brother Roger Zimmer. He attended one year at Iowa State University, returning to farm with his father. In 1947 they moved to Sioux Rapids where he continued to farm with his dad, starting custom baling service. He also worked at International of Sioux Rapids. H. Robert married Dolores (Lorie) Darlene Van Houten on December 29, 1948. They moved to the Marathon area, then Greenville, later moving to Everly and then to Milford in 1959. To this union they were blessed with three daughters; Nancy (Jim Hartmann), Susan (Galyn Carpentier), and Kristi (Brian Peck). Bud enjoyed farming with all of the daily challenges. He did work at the Clay County Fairgrounds in the Maintenance area for about 5 years. He always enjoyed having family events and being around friends. He always had a smile on his face when he received his lunch from his oldest daughter on her horse while farming. He was always good to make share all the farm activities with his girls. He was ready to go to the horse shows and enjoyed his new found friends. He served on many boards throughout his lifetime: Dickinson County Cattleman, Dickinson County Pork Producers, Dickinson County Farm Bureau, Dickinson County Fair board (24 years), First Lutheran Church Council and served as president, Milford School Board (17 years), President of Fostoria Coop Elevator and Okoboji School Board. He was 1965 Wallace Farm Manager of the Year. Bud was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer last November. It was inoperable and resistant to radiation. With some chemo treatments he was feeling better and gave him time to enjoy life. During this time a dear friend, Joyce Johnson went on many trips and saw the country together. He enjoyed many a meal and outing with her. Robert passed away at Spencer Municipal Hospital in Spencer, IA on November 23, 2017. Left to treasure his memories are his daughters Nancy & Jim, Susan & Galyn, and Kristi & Brian. His grandchildren Kelly & Heidi Hartmann, Michelle & Thomas White, Serena & Brian Golwitzer, Penni & Brian Blank, Molly & Michael Griglak, Cody Peck and Kelsey Peck. Great grandchildren Emily & Britney Hartmann, Kate, Rachael, and Andrew White, Thone, Brice and Melia Golwitzer, Makenzie and Brecken Blank, Taleah & Ralph Griglack and Briana Westphal. Great grandchildren Aris & Noah Westphal. Other special people included sister Shirley Gilleland, Joyce Johnson, brother-in-law Norman Halverson (Jeanne), sister-in-law Genny Bertness, Marlene & Elwood Johnson and many other nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. We appreciate all the thoughts and prayers.