Mabel I. Zimmerman

Monday, March 7, 2016

Mabel I. Zimmerman

June 24, 1919 - March 6, 2016

MCCOOK, Neb. -- Mabel Irene (Wurm) Zimmerman was born June 24, 1919, at the farm of Andrew M. and Elizabeth (Schiessler) Wurm. She passed away Sunday, March 6, 2016, at Brookdale in McCook, Nebraska, at the age of 96.

Mabel was born near Traer and spent her early years there. She graduated from Decatur County High School in 1936.

On Oct. 1, 1938, Mabel married Byron Leroy Zimmerman of Oberlin, in Denver, Colorado, where they made their first home. During those years, Mabel worked as a seamstress and as an ammunition inspector during World War II. They were blessed with one daughter, Carol, in 1947. Four years later, they moved to Casper, Wyoming, where Byron worked home construction, later owning his own company, and Mabel did the bookkeeping. Mabel participated in numerous activities: sewing, Pinochle, census taking, Girl Scouts, 4-H, gardening, bowling, ping pong, Scrabble, Sheepshead, and exercise class.

When the couple retired in 1980, Byron and Mabel moved to a home they built in Herndon, Kansas. They enjoyed participating in the Ox Roast and all other community events there. In addition, Mabel proudly served on the town council and as mayor of Herndon.

Mabel was a faithful member of St. John's Lutheran Church. She eventually moved to Willow Ridge (Brookdale) in McCook, Nebraska. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend who will be missed and fondly remembered.

She is survived by her daughter, Carol Ogburn of Prescott, Ariz.; two granddaughters, Shelly Springer of Grover Beach, Calif. and Nikki Shott of Mohave Valley, Ariz.; three great-grandchildren, Delaney Springer, Cole and Brody Shott; nephews and nieces; cousins and friends.

Mabel was preceded in death by her husband; parents; two brothers, Lewis Wurm and Owen Wilson; and one sister, Alice Clark.

Funeral services were today, Monday, March 14, 2016, at 11 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Oberlin with Rev. Brad Rick officiating. Burial was in the Oberlin Cemetery.

The family has established memorial funds in Mabel's memory to the church, Oberlin City Library, National Breast Cancer Foundation, and The Rogosin Institute (researches cures and treatment of cancer and diabetes). Contributions may be sent to Pauls Funeral Home, 121 N. Penn Ave., Oberlin, KS 67749 (www.paulsfh.com).

Pauls Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.