Submitted by: Dan Rich

Donald Wells Zimmerman

January 15, 1925 - April 3, 2006

South Bend Tribune 4/7/2006

Donald Wells Zimmerman passed on Monday, April 3, in Memorial Hospital. Don was born on January 15, 1925 in River Park, South Bend, to Edmund and Cecil (Wells) Zimmerman, who preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife, Alberta (Riggs) whom he married January 7, 1950; a son, Roy Zimmerman (Susan) of Orlando, Florida; a daughter, Ann Wright (Casey) of Ipswich, Massachusetts and grandchildren, Kevin, Brian, Mari and Gillian; a daughter, Mary Wright (Terry) of Upland, California and grandchildren, Andrew and Griffin, Susan (Zimmerman) Weislogel of Westerville, Ohio and grandchildren Benjamin, Nickolas, Jessica. He is also survived by his sister, Ruth Braden of South Bend, and 2 nephews, Terry Braden (Sue) of Eagle Lake, Edwardsburg and grand nephew, Christopher Braden (Michelle) of South Bend; a grand niece Jennifer Molnar of Edwardsburg; a nephew, John Braden of Draper, Utah; a niece, Barbara Braden of North Hollywood, California; and many loving relatives and friends.

Don was owner-operator of E. L. Zimmerman Co., Inc. Pipefitting and Heating. He became president when his father retired in 1965. Don retired in 1988. He was an active member of the St. Joseph Co. Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors Association, serving as State President during that time.

With his wife, he was a member of Winnebago's Meanderers Motor Home Club.

He was an active member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, South Bend. He graduated from John Adams High School in 1943 before joining the Army.

Don was in the 400th AFA Battalion in the ETO. Out of 32 months in the service he was overseas 18, in which 229 days were in the combat zone, except for one week for equipment repair and a 3 day rest. His unit received 5 battle stars, and supported the 30th Infantry Division in the Battle of the Bulge. The Fuel Artillery Battalion to go into Germany, the only artillery to participate in the Remagen Bridgehead Capture. The outfit was attached to two 1st and 3rd Army's, 5 Corps, 5 Infantry Division, 3-5-7-9 hr armored and the 82nd Airborne plus 2 Cavalry and others. He was jeep driver for his lieutenant, who said Don was the best driver he ever saw.

He was a member of the Military Honor Park and Museum at the Michiana Regional Airport.

Don was an avid sports fan, and in the 1950's was a well-known and popular star softball pitcher for the River Park American Legion Post 303. In 1982 he constructed a partially underground house which, with solar panels and his own innovative ideas, is fuel efficient. Don put love and pride into all his accomplishments. He always did his best. His family is very grateful to him for his constant generosity, making our lives easier, happier and blessed.

A Funeral service will be held at the Palmer Funeral Home, River Park, South Bend on Saturday, April 8 at 2:00 P.M. Military and graveside services will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, IN. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Church at 1237 North Ironwood Drive or to the Military Honor Park, P.O. Box 3356, South Bend, IN 46619.