Donald Herbert Zimmer

Donald H. Zimmer, 86, peacefully crossed to heaven in the arms of his wife and surrounded by family, on Oct 19, 2021, at home in Sun Lakes, AZ, after a valiant fight with prostate cancer. Born and raised in St. Louis, MO, Don was the only child of Herbert and Grace Zimmer. He, and his beloved wife, Rose (née Bauer), recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary.

Don and Rose were blessed with six children: Beth Carter (Stan), Kathy Halaney (John, deceased), Karl Zimmer (Sarah), Eric Zimmer (Debra), John Zimmer (Jennifer), and Alice Tharenos (Tony).

Don served in the US Army Reserves from 1957-1963 rising to Staff Sergeant in the102nd ARCOM ordnance unit. In his 42-year career at Sverdrup Engineering, Don advanced from Draftsman, Designer, Engineer, Project Manager, Office Manager to retire as Vice President of Facilities Engineering in 1997. Don was active in the Master Brewers Association for 23 years and assisted in the design and construction of multibillion dollar breweries. He also volunteered for decades on HOA Boards in Chesterfield, MO and Sun Lakes, AZ, and participated in the weekly Sun Lakes fruit-pickers charity group.

Don enjoyed family vacations, fishing, golfing, camping and target shooting. He cherished spending time with his grandchildren, driving countless miles together in his golf cart. Don and Rose liked travel, especially to Master Brewer Association’s conventions, train trips, northern fly-fishing expeditions, and cruising both on oceans and multiple rivers. He relished socializing with friends and family, sharing good food, his bar-b-que secrets, and his variety of home brewed beers. Don possessed a keen mind, an intellectual curiosity, and an iron-clad memory. He was willing to share his wealth of knowledge, whether it be of the out-of-doors, his Baseball Cardinals or to help a neighbor with a repair.

Don is survived by 11 grandchildren and preceded in death by his grandson, Christopher Carter.

Funeral Mass will be at St. Steven’s Catholic Church, Sun Lakes, AZ, Thursday, November 18, at 10:00 am. Celebration lunch following at Oakwood Country Club, Sun Lakes, AZ. Committal Service at Valley of the Sun Cemetery on Friday, November 26, at 10:00 am.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LakeshoreMort.com for the Zimmer family.