Obituary of Simon L. Zimmerman

Simon L. Zimmerman, 91, of Masonic Village, Elizabethtown, went to his heavenly home on October 15, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Spangler's Mill, York County to Pennsylvania Dutch parents, Joseph B. and Ruth Gish Zimmerman. As a boy, his family resided in Bachmanville where he helped on the family farm and attended a one-room school. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 49 years, Carolyn Mummaw Zimmerman, and Erma Geyer Miller Zimmerman, with whom he shared 13 years of cherished marriage. He was also preceded in death by a grandson, Jared Ariel Murphy. He is survived by three daughters, Julia Jeffers (wife of Leonard), Marilyn Rhione Zimmerman, and Betty Jo Ross; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren; Jason Jeffers and his wife, Marissa, parents of Jaxson; Lisa (Jeffers) Dolan, wife of Sean, parents of Quinn and Austin; Gabriel Murphy, Jonoah Murphy, Aden Murphy, and Rachel Garner; and his sister, Rachel Kraybill. His advice to his family was to "Always give an honest day's work for an honest day's pay." or sometimes it was "Work hard and keep your nose clean." Simon was known to rise early, work hard and face challenges in day to day life. He was a man of faith and cherished the simple tenets of Bible truths. He served his country at the end of World War II in occupied Japan in the area of Military Government Health. Simon was a 1950 graduate of Elizabethtown College. He co-founded Zimmerman Advertising of Harrisburg, Mifflin Press of Columbia, and James Photo Art of York. For many years he was an active member of Ironville United Methodist Church and in more recent years attended John S. Sell Memorial Chapel. He was past president of TPA, Post D, in Lancaster. In 1954, he joined the Masonic Lodge and was recently awarded a 60 year service emblem from Columbia Lodge No. 286, F&AM. He was also a member of Harrisburg Consistory, Lancaster Scottish Rite Club where he served as president in 1962, and a lifetime member of Zembo Shrine where he had a special interest in helping handicapped and dyslexic children. After a long day of work, he considered his renovation work on an old farm house as relaxing. With the help of family and friends, he made the dilapidated farm house beautiful; he turned barren lands into beautiful pastures and gardens, raised steers, and he invited others to join him fishing in the pond that he created. He called it a hobby but Ironsides Farm was a home to his family. He also enjoyed traveling, hunting, spending time with his family, and spending winter months in the warm Arizona climate. He was a long-time member of Ironville Rod and Gun Club. He was a support and inspiration to his family and always charitable when he saw a need. His granddog, Piper, became his loving companion and bedside buddy during the most serious time of his illness. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 19, 2014 at 4:00 PM at John S. Sell Memorial Chapel, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA with Rev. A. Preston Van Deursen and Rev. Gary George officiating. Interment will be private. There will be no public viewing. The family will receive guests at Sell Chapel on Sunday afternoon from 3:00 PM until the time of the service. The family asks that in lieu of flowers contributions be made to the Children's Dyslexia Center of Lancaster, 213 W. Chestnut Street, Lancaster, PA 17603-3519, or to the Mennonite Central Committee, P. O. Box 500, Akron, PA 17501. To express a condolence with the family or to watch a webcast of the service available beginning the day following the service visit www.spencefuneralservices.com.