Ivan Joseph Zimmer of Camden, Arkansas died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on September 2, 2023. He was born in Manila, Iowa on October 20, 1928, to the late Lawrence and Adeline (Roecker) Zimmer. On May 2, 1953, in St. Louis, Missouri, Joe married the love of his life, Marian, who preceded him in death on October 22, 2011.

Joe is survived by his children, Michael and Robin Zimmer, Susan and Dean Mullins, Debra Murray, Richard and Julie Zimmer; eight grandchildren, Mickie and Scott Graves, Aubrey and Jay Harton, Kim and Aaron Fogle, Ashley and Chad Edwards, Kristen and Jason Elliott, Jessica and David Gilbert, Rebecca and Josh Bertagnolli, and Joey Murray; eighteen great-grandchildren, Adeline, John and Emily Harton, Adam Zimmer, Bryce, Olivia and Ian Edwards, Brooklyn, Abby and Lillie Fogle, Katelyn, Jase and Dawson Elliott, Noah, Madelynn and Sophie Ham Graves, Andrew Finch, and Sydney Gilbert; his brother, Lawrence Zimmer, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, Joe was also preceded in death by his son-in-law, Jim Murray, grandchildren, Mandy and Chris Ham, brother, Vernon Zimmer, and sisters, Helen Winkelman, Luella Fick, and Leona Fick.

Joe honorably served in the United States Army during the Korean War. After the war, Joe earned a degree in Industrial Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. He worked as a facilities manager throughout his career until he retired from General Dynamics in 1993. He was an active member of St. Louis Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Joe was a true gentleman and a kind man with a wonderful sense of humor. He enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing, and most especially spending time with his family.

Visitation will be at Proctor Funeral Home in Camden, Arkansas from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 7, 2023, followed by a Rosary. Mass of Christian Burial will be officiated by Father Michael Johns at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 8, 2023, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Camden. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Joe's family is grateful for the wonderful care he received from Feleicia, Paula, and Pat, the caregivers of Sweet Home Elderly Service in Camden who treated him like family and the staff and caregivers at Avenir Memory Care in Little Rock. The family would also like to thank Dr. David Mosley of Ouachita Clinic, the medical professionals of St. Vincent Infirmary in Little Rock for the excellent medical care Joe received, and Arkansas Hospice for the compassionate care they provided to Joe and his family.

Memorial gifts can be made to St. Louis Catholic Church in Camden, Arkansas or Arkansas Hospice Foundation in North Little Rock, Arkansas.