Pastor Daniel Zimmermann

Pastor Daniel Zimmermann of Burton went to meet his heavenly Father, Monday, April 4, 2011 at his home surrounded by loved ones.

His spiritual journey and faithful service to God began September 28, 1928 with his birth in Port Arthur to parents Lee and Ella Zimmermann. A strong foundation of faith was built for Dan and his brothers, Harold, Lynn, and James by their parents and baptismal church of St. John’s Lutheran. Dan’s journey continued as he studied at Texas Lutheran College in Seguin and Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. While in Dubuque, Dan met Evelyn Winkel through her work at Lutheran Homes in Muscatine, Iowa. As a junior, Dan interned at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg, Texas. August 15, 1953, Dan and Evelyn married and began their lifelong service to God together. After receiving his Master’s of Divinity at Wartburg, Dan was ordained June 27, 1954. Their union was blessed with three children, Ruth, Mark, and Sarah. Pastor Dan’s spiritual journey led him to congregations at St. Paul, Lamesa, St. John, Castell, St. Paul, Shive, Eben-Ezer-Berlin, and Waldeck Lutheran. Through his quiet strength and faith he preached, baptized, confirmed, witnessed and in many ways lived his faith. Retirement didn’t slow Dan as he served as a rural mail carrier and worked construction with his son-in-law, James. In more recent years, Pastor Dan and Evelyn moved to Rehburg and continued their lives of faith as devoted grandparents and members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Rehburg. Dan and Evelyn enjoyed weekly study of the Bible with their friends in the adult bible class. In 2000, Dan was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. His faith guided him through challenging physical changes which he met with grace and his gentle, thankful spirit. And once again, Dan’s spiritual journey continues to the Great Feast with his heavenly father. In Dan’s words, “We do not know all that the future holds. Nor can we responsibly deny the importance of either past or future. But it is in the living present that we can still serve our Lord’s kingdom, walk in the ways Jesus has taught, and ever praise and thank the Lord for all His love.”

We thank God for sharing your servant, Daniel, with us and we were blessed to experience how he truly “lived” his faith every day of his life. Rest well faithful servant. Amen!

His parents, and wife, Evelyn, preceded him in death.

Survivors include children, Ruth and James Schulenberg of Burton, Mark and Marsha Zimmermann of Bellaire, and Sarah Zimmermann of Burton; grandchildren Stephanie and Steven Jarvis of Austin, Susan and Jim Kiel of Burton, Samantha Schulenberg of Austin, Jason and Kyle Zimmermann of Bellaire; great-grandchild James Daniel Jarvis of Austin; brothers and sisters-in-law Harold and Melrose Zimmermann of Austin, Lynn and Carra Zimmermann of Burton, and Jim and Gerry Zimmermann of Austin; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Pallbearers are David Blakey, Jr., Alfonso Cardenas, Steven Jarvis, Jim Kiel, Jason Zimmermann and Kyle Zimmermann. Honorary pallbearers are Dolly Ruth Armatys, Ann Galaviz, Fielisha Hutchison, Clara Kasprowicz, Glenda Sandals, and Diana Smith.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 pm on Thursday, April 7, 2011 at Brenham Memorial Chapel. Funeral service will be held at 3 pm on Friday, April 8, 2011, at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Rehburg. Rev. Steve Cox will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

The family would like to thank all of the Hospice Brazos Valley caregivers for their loving care and assistance. Anyone wishing to give a memorial may do so to Hospice Brazos Valley, St. Paul Lutheran Church of Rehburg or a charity of their choice.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham Texas, 836-3611, www.brenham-memorial-chapel.com