Ira E. 'Big I' Zimmerman

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Oct. 29, 1943-Sept. 21, 2009

Ira E. "Big I" Zimmerman of McCook died at Grand Island, Monday (Sept. 21, 2009) after many years struggling with kidney failure. He was 65 years old.

Ira was born in McCook, Oct.29, 1943, to Ross C. and Doris F. (McClung) Zimmerman. He grew up and attended schools in McCook and graduated with the class of 1961.

On Aug. 19, 1975, he married Patty A. Wagner in Denver, Colo. To this union a daughter, Jessica was born.

Ira was a member of the First Congregational Church. He farmed raising crops and cattle. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends as well as tractor pulls, drag racing and traveling.

Preceding him in death were his parents; an infant daughter, Rebecca; fathers-in-law, Robert Wagner and Raymond Trupp; and brother-in-law, Jim Trupp.

Survivors include his wife, Patty of McCook; daughter, Jessica Gramins and husband, Gary of Milwaukee, Wis.; mother-in-law, Lorna Trupp of McCook; brother, George Zimmerman of Red Bluff, Calif.; sisters, Theresa Ware of Quincy, Wash., Rachael McBride and husband, Ted of Lamoille, Nev., and Grace Carse of Edinburg, Texas; a brother-in-law, Mike Wagner of Fort Laramie, Wyo.; sisters-in-law, Sharon Frimann and husband, Steve of Stapleton, Kathie Cappel and husband, Dick of McCook, Karen Allen and husband, Maurice of Bloomfield, Colo., and Mary Beth Carlson and husband, Jim of Lincoln; and nieces, nephews and numerous friends.

Funeral services will be Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009, at 1 p.m., at First Congregational Church in McCook with the Rev. Steve Bales officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be today until 8 p.m. at the Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook. Friends and family may also go on-line at www.carpenterbreland.com to leave condolences.

Memorials are being accepted in his name.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.