Zimmerman, Jacob J. (1865-1954)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1954 Dec 23 p. 8
Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Jan 13 p. 8

Birth date: 1865 Sep 23

text of obituary:

J. J. ZIMMERMAN

Jacob J. Zimmerman, son of John and Catherine Zimmerman, was born near Kalona, Iowa Sept. 23, 1865. Departed this life at his home, Harper, Kansas on Dec. 2, 1954, at the age of 89 years, two months and nine days.

At the age of 12, he came with his parents to Kansas, locating in McPherson county, near Inman. Here he grew to manhood. On Dec. 22, 1891, he was united in marriage to Lizzie A. Troyer who preceded him in death 18 years ago. From this union eight children survive to mourn his passing: six daughters, Dorothy, Mrs. Dana Hartzler of Topeka, Bertha, Mrs. Roy Miller of Howe, Ind. Myrtle of Harper, Alta. Mrs. Chancy Hostetler of Harper, Ferne, Mrs. Glen Whitaker of La Junta, Colo. Orpha of Harper; two sons, Milo of Akron, Pa., and J. Milton of Harper. There survive 18 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and 11 step great-grandchildren.

Besides the immediate family one brother and three sisters survive. Sam of Harper, Mrs. Lydia Brenneman of Iowa City, Ia., Mrs. M. A. Troyer of Crystal Springs, and Mrs. Will Hershberger, Elkhart, Ind.

When a young man he became a Christian, uniting with the Mennonite Church near Inman, Kansas. On July 15, 1894, he answered the call to the Christian ministry and served his church as spiritual leader.

In the spring of 1904 he, with family, moved to Harper county, locating on the farm where he lived until the time of his decease. The move to Harper county was also a move for his congregation. The church house in McPherson county was dismantled and moved with wagons by members and re-erected on the site of the present house of worship near Crystal Springs. With the help of others he faithfully served as shepherd of the flock until the time of his retirement from the active ministry in 1941.

In addition to this spiritual ministry he pursued the occupation of farming and was a successful stockman and dairyman. He was interested in community affairs, often serving in responsible positions.

Funeral services were conducted Dec. 5, 1954, at the Crystal Springs Mennonite church, Crystal Springs, Kansas. Interment was in the Crystal Springs cemetery. Brethren participating in the services were: Harry A. Diener, Wilbert Nafziger, Gideon G. Yoder and D. Lowell Nissley.