Donald Raymond Zimmer was born in Denver, Colo. on Feb. 17, 1934 to John Russell Zimmer and Mildred Kathryn Snyder. He grew up in Denver with two younger brothers: John and Dick. After graduating from South High School, Donald was drafted and served in the Korean War. During the war he served as a forward artillery observer and was in charge of communicating battlefield intelligence.

After the war, Donald returned to Denver and became a union bricklayer known for his creativity, hard work, and attention to detail. When not at a job site, he could likely be found fishing, gardening, socializing, cooking, playing cards or watching sports.

Donald also found time to get married (a couple times) and raise seven children: Chris, Tambrie, Donald Jr., Timothy, David, Shannon and Kelly. Donald married Sharon Jessen on June 10, 1972 and raised their children in Littleton, Colo. After the children moved out, he and Sharon moved to Oak Harbor, Wash. in August 1998 for retirement.

Donald was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 7392 and frequent volunteer for their pancake breakfasts and other fundraising events. He represented the military and veterans in local school assemblies, often marched in the local parades carrying the American Flag, and delivered food to the needy during the holidays.

In February 2013, Donald suffered from a stroke and never fully healed. He passed away peacefully at Careage of Whidbey nursing facility in Coupeville, Wash. on Oct. 6, 2013 at the age of 79. Donald leaves behind his wife Sharon, seven children, 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He taught us all that if something was worth doing, it was worth giving our best. He’ll be remembered for his humility, kindness, generosity and ever-present Korea Veteran hat.

The twinkle in Donald’s eye came from his mother’s Irish heritage – he fully expected to someday find the end of the rainbow, a four-leaf clover, or that magical Leprechaun. That lucky someday finally came last Sunday … in heaven.

Funeral services for Don Zimmer were held at Concordia Lutheran Church in Oak Harbor with Rev. Mark Hanson officiating. Family graveside services followed at Maple Leaf Cemetery with full military honors under the auspices of the U.S. Army. Memorials may be made to the Concordia Lutheran Church. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences in the Book of Memories hosted by Wallin Funeral Home at www.wallinfuneralhome.com