Dennis Lee Zimmerman, 80, passed away peacefully January 6, 2025, at his home in Anita. He was born the son of Ervin and Clotene (Kilgore) Zimmerman in Denver, Colorado on October 11, 1944. The family moved to Prescott, Iowa where Dennis’s father was employed. Then The family moved to Lemmon, South Dakota where Dennis attended country school and graduated from Lemmon High School. Later the family moved to Prescott, Iowa after his father passed away.
He attended Creston Community College where he met his future wife, Helen Kay Phillips. They were married August 14, 1966, at the Prescott Methodist Church. Dennis graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in 1967. Later Dennis and Helen received their Master’s Degrees from NMSU in 1973.
Dennis taught Biology and Science at Anita/CAM High School for 42 years. He enjoyed following his former students as they progressed through life. He was a member of the Anita Education Association severing as President for several years. Dennis was also active in the Southwest Iowa Education Association serving as President and was a 50-year member of the Iowa Lions Club. He also served in the Anita City Council. Dennis was as active member of the Anita Methodist Church serving in many ways.
Family was an important part of this life. He enjoyed going to his grandchildren’s activities.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Helen Kay Zimmerman of Anita, IA, his son, Bryan Jesse, and wife, Angie Zimmerman of Boone, IA and his daughter, Rena Beth Sands of Granger, IA; four grandchildren, Mason & Matthew Zimmerman and Jacob & Ashlyn Sands; two sisters, Joyce Jones and Peggy Zimmerman, two sister in-laws, Shelley Zimmerman and Rosalie Phillips; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin and Clotene Zimmerman; brothers, Steven and Russell Zimmerman, father and mother in-law, Chleo and Leota Phillips and brother in-law, Tom Phillips
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am, Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the United Methodist Church in Anita, IA with Rev. Jessica Wietzke officiating. Burial will be at the Evergreen Cemetery in Anita and a reception to following the burial at the Anita Community Building in Anita. Visitation with the family present from 5 pm till 7 pm Friday, January 10, 2025, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic, IA.
Memorials can be made in his name to either the United Methodist Church or the Anita Fire Department and can be mailed to the funeral home at PO Box 523 – Atlantic, IA in care of the Zimmerman Family or left at the funeral home. The Schmidt Family Funeral Home is caring for the Zimmerman family at this time and condolence can be sent at: schmidtfamilyfh.com
