Stephen Lee Zimmerman

Stephen Lee Zimmerman, age 75, passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024, at MercyOne Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.

Steve was born in Chariton, Iowa on August 26, 1949, to Marge (Shelton) Zimmerman and Billy Zimmerman, and lived all but one year in Des Moines, Iowa. He attended Lincoln and East High Schools and graduated from Hoover High School in 1969. He attended DMACC for 2 years and Drake University for 4 years, graduating in 1986 with a Master’s Degree in Finance and Computer Information Systems.

His early years he worked at Central Tractor, Midwest Bolt, American Can and John Deere Ankeny Works before attending DMACC and Drake University. From 1986 thru 2010 he was employed as a Utility Specialist with the Iowa Utilities Commission until he retired.

Steve loved fast cars, especially Corvettes and M3 BMWs, Rock and Roll, and Country Western music and had an album and CD collection that would rival any music stores’ offerings. He knew the lyrics to thousands of songs, as evidenced by his always winning “The Record Game” when he played with family and friends. He had over 200 “favorite” songs, too numerous to mention that he knew not only all the lyrics but the artist, band and year the songs were released. He was literally a music aficionado.

He was passionate about all things “nature”… the birds, bees, any and all critters, flowers, trees and all living things. He believed in nurturing nature. In his early 20s and for the next 55 years he adopted and cared for over 21 fur babies, having at least 2 and up to 5 at a time. Every one of them held a special place in his heart.

He was a jokester who loved “pulling your leg”. He felt it was his mission in life to get those around him to smile and laugh and just be happy. If you were happy, he would be happy.

Steve is survived by his wife of 55 years, Kris; his brother, Alan Zimmerman, his wife Judy and their boys, Rod (Cathy) and Kurt; his sister, Kathy Leete, her husband, Gerry, and their boys, Little Gerry and Billy (Janne); his sisters-in-law, Kathy Hoyka and son, Che; Pat Weir and kids, Rodney, Robert, and Shayna; Pamela Wright (Calvin) and kids, Dawn, Scott, Jerry, and Kelcy; brother-in-law, Clem Canova and kids, Marty and Robyn; and of course his special lil buddy JoeJoe who was his constant unconditional companion during his illness.

Steve was preceded in death by his son, Mickey Zimmerman; his mom, Marge Thomas; his stepdad, Bill Thomas; his brother, Terry Zimmerman and many grandparents, in-laws and other relatives.

Steve was an organ donor. Cremation has occurred and no services are planned.

In lieu of flowers please donate your time or resources to the charity of your choice, plant a tree or flowers. Everyday sing or hum a song, give hugs freely and make someone laugh.

Condolences may be expressed at www.Hamiltonsfuenralhome.com.

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