ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY
Pastor John Zimmermann, who was ordained into the Holy Ministry on Reformation Sunday, October 31, 1937, observed the 70th anniversary of his ordination on Oct. 29, 2007, when his son, Rev. Tim Zimmermann, conducted the Reformation Sunday worship service at the Lutheran Home in Vinton, Iowa.
Rev. John Zimmermann began his ministry in parishes in Minnesota. In 1948 he became the pastor of St. Paul Lutheran church in Eldora, Iowa and served the congregation for 26 years. He was President of Iowa District East from 1970 to1982. He then returned to Eldora and served St. Paul as visitation pastor and pastor emeritus. During his ministry Pastor Zimmermann also served the church-at-large on various boards and committees and as International LWML Counselor. In 1976 he received a Doctor of Divinity degree from his alma mater, Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. He and his wife Mae Etta moved to the Lutheran Home in 2002. They have been married for 69 years.
Two Zimmermann sons are pastors in Iowa District East: Rev. Bruce Zimmermann of St. John, Wellsburg/Christ, Gladbrook, and Rev. Tim Zimmermann of Our Redeemer, Iowa City. A third son, Rev. Fred Zimmermann, is pastor of St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano, Wisconsin.
