Howard G. Zimmerman, 87, of Mesa, AZ, died on January 24, 2024 at Majestic Rose Care Home in Gilbert, AZ.

He was born on January 11, 1937 to Horace Alton and L. Benita (Conrey) Zimmerman in Iowa City, IA, the youngest of their five children.

He married Betty Jo Core on December 23, 1955. They had 5 children, Steven (Diane) of Prairie City, IA; Russell (Brenda) of Knoxville, IA; Martin (Rhonda) of Pleasantville, IA; Angela (Rod) Schaffer of Oklahoma City, OK; and Andrew (Rena Northway) of Altoona, IA.

When he was a very young boy, [about 7 years old] during WWII, he sold newspapers on a Knoxville street corner. He very quickly learned how to make change and he sold many newspapers. He served 8 years in the Head Quarters Company, 2nd Motorized Transportation Battalion, 113th Armored Division of the Iowa Army National Guard at Knoxville. He was a member of the Prairie City school board for several years, serving one term as president. Howard was a faithful member of the Prairie City Church of the Brethren. He used his carpentry skills to add more Sunday school rooms and make any necessary repairs to the parsonage. He also taught Sunday school. In 1997, he was given the Iowa Governor's Volunteer Service Award for his work with Aging Resources of Marion County.

In the late 1950's, Howard worked at Maytag in Newton. He then went to work for Hansen Homes until they ran out of work, and he laid floor tile for a couple of years before becoming a route driver for Barton Solvents. He was a faithful member of the Carpenters Local Union 106 for 56 years. He worked over 30 years as a carpenter and/or job superintendent for various companies, including El View Construction, Taylor-Ball, Ringland-Johnson-Crowley, and Younkers. After working a normal workday, he occasionally did landscaping for McKlveen Lumber in Prairie City, IA. He was an avid woodworker, making and giving many of his custom-made creations to family members, which have become treasured keepsakes.

The family has fond memories of several cross-country vacations, including trips to the newly-opened Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL and through the western United States, including Yellowstone National Park and Pikes Peak. At one time, he had a houseboat on Lake Red Rock that he enjoyed going out on. He also enjoyed going to Renaissance Fairs and bluegrass festivals.

Howard is survived by his children, 13 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; a sister Kay (Blaine) Vriezelaar of Monroe, IA, many nieces and nephews, his companion for the last 15 years, Sharon Straley of Mesa, AZ; and his faithful dog, Bow.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Ivan and Keith Zimmerman, his sister Kathleen McCoy, infant twin sisters Joan and Joyce, a niece, two nephews, and a great-granddaughter.

A graveside service will be May 11, 2024 at 2 PM.

Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery near Knoxville, IA.