Edward J. Zimmer, 91, of Independence, Iowa died Sunday morning, February 5, 2012, at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence, IA.

Ed was born on November 29, 1920, in Independence, Iowa the son of Edward and Elizabeth (Franck) Zimmer. He was a 1940 graduate of the Independence High School. On November 5, 1942, Ed joined the U.S. Army serving during WW II and the Korean Conflict. During his service he was involved in the landing on Omaha Beach, the Battle of the Bulge, and the Korean Invasion during the Korean Conflict. After 9 years of military service Ed was discharged in 1955 and returned to Independence. On August 23, 1953 he was married to Joan E. Crawford in Independence, Iowa. He was employed with the Buchanan County Engineer’s Office in several positions the most recent as the Office Manager prior to his retirement.

He was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church, The Knights of Columbus, a life time member of the V,F.W., the Council on Aging at the Senior Citizen Center, and was a Wood Carver.

Ed is survived by his wife, Joan E. Zimmer of Independence, IA., and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister; Janice Albert, and two brothers; Bob and Ron Zimmer.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. Thursday at St. John’s Catholic Church, Independence, IA., with Rev. Don Plamondon officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Independence, IA. Friends may call from 3 PM to 8 P.M. Wednesday and from 8 to 10 A.M. Thursday at the Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence, Iowa, where a rosary will be recited at 3 P.M., a military memorial service will be held at 7 P.M. and a parish vigil service will be held at 7:30 P.M. Wednesday.