FRANK DONALD ZIMMER

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FRANK DONALD ZIMMER August 10, 1919 September 27, 2011 It is with peaceful hearts and gratitude for life that we, the family of Frank Zimmer, announce his passing at the age of 92 years at Bethany Collegeside, Red Deer, AB on September 27, 2011. Frank is survived by his children; Delano, Dean, Isabelle, Angie (Benson) and one grandson, Travis. Frank was predeceased by his wife Grace in 1988 and youngest daughter, Rodene in 1993. He leaves his brother Philip and sisters Kay (Dietrich), Pauline (Sudbury) and Mary (Bernhardt) and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews to keep alive his memory. He was predeceased by his brothers Anton, Joe, John and his sister Julia (Rieger). Frank was born on August 10, 1919 in Grayson, SK as the ninth child to Joseph and Apollonia Zimmer. He attended Arlington school in SK and later farmed with his father and brothers in the Strathclair and Dropmore areas of Manitoba. In 1941, Frank was called to serve his country and was discharged in 1946. The memories of the time he served stayed with him all his life. Frank met Grace Roe and they married in 1951. They farmed first in the MacGregor area then in the Riding Mountain area where they raised their rowdy family for 18 years. Town life beckoned and Frank and Grace with the last two daughters sold the farm and retired to Neepawa, MB. Sadly, Grace passed away a few years after this move. Frank then moved to Zimmerville (Russell, MB). As a widower, Frank quilted, gardened, made preserves, baked bread, braided rugs, refinished furniture, attended auction sales, visited his children and relatives and made sure he filled every day with things to do. His salt and pepper collection was to be envied. One desire was to visit all the places he had been stationed at in Canada during the Second World War. He did manage to make it to several of the sites. At the age of 82, Frank sold everything and moved to Olds, AB to live with his daughter Isabelle and her son Travis. Before long, he had purchased replacements for his wood working tools and was back to keeping busy building/refinishing furniture and creating sawdust. He loved a good laugh and enjoyed teasing people, especially his grandson. He moved to Lacombe with his daughter and grandson and continued to keep busy. Frank eventually started to live in the past and to ensure his safety, he moved to a personal care home where he liked to sit with people and watch all the activity. Frank passed peacefully in his sleep and the family gives thanks to the staff at Bethany Collegeside, Red Deer, AB for the care he received. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date in Russell, MB. Frank's final resting place will be next to his wife in Castleavery cemetery. Should anyone wish to honour his memory, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 08, 2011