Loren J. Zimmerman

Loren J. Zimmerman, 90, of Ephrata, PA, passed away at home on Tuesday, April 14, 2020. Loren was born in Akron, PA, the son of the late Milo H. and Beulah M. Zimmerman. He was the husband of Dawn S. (Snyder) Zimmerman. They were married almost 63 years (married on 6/22/1957). Loren attended the Akron Elementary School until the 8th grade and graduated from Ephrata High School in 1948 and from Ursinus College in 1952. He also spent one year of postgraduate work at Wharton School of Business in Philadelphia. He was a veteran of the Armed Forces having spent two years in the Army Ordnance Corps in an Advanced Guided Missile Division. In 1955, he was employed by the Miller Hess Shoe Company in Akron and by the A. N. Wolf Shoe Company Division of Miller Hess in Denver. He served there for 30 years as a Superintendent, a Production Coordinator and as a Purchasing Agent for all divisions. After Miller Hess closed he was employed by the Kepner Scott Shoe Company in Orwigsburg for about 14 years. In semi-retirement he worked part-time for Badorf Shoe Company in Lititz finally retiring completely in 2000. He served on the board of the Central Pennsylvania Shoe and Leather Association for many years and as President of that organization in 1989. At age 16 in the summer of 1946 he became a Sea Going Cowboy for the Brethren Service Committee taking a load of horses to Poland under the UNNRA relief program. He enjoyed spending time with his children as they were growing up. He especially cherished visits of his children and grandchildren later in life. Solving puzzles was his passion. He loved mechanical, crossword, Sudoku, numberix, and large jigsaw picture puzzles. Gardening was also a passion with him, sharing much of his produce with others. He especially liked experimenting with unusual varieties and methods. Until age 80 he did most of the maintenance on his property. He was a former member of Bethany United Church of Christ for over 50 years, serving as a Deacon and teaching a Bible Class. After retirement he joined the Zions UCC Reformed Church in Lincoln serving as a Deacon and Elder there as well. Surviving besides his wife, are a son, Curtis S. Zimmerman married to Debra Miller of State College and a daughter, Crystal l. Reed of Ephrata. He has five grandchildren, Jacqueline Reed Galarza/Christian of Brooklyn, NY, Jessica Reed Ivory/Tim, of Philadelphia, Gretchen Reed Hoge/Jason, of Palmyra, NY, Linde Zimmerman/Nathan in Decatur, Alabama, and Angel Zimmerman of State College, PA; and one great-granddaughter, Nico June. Also surviving is one brother, Carrol of Wernersville, PA; two sisters: Emma E. Zimmerman of Lititz and Kathryn A. Buchmiller of Landisville. In addition to his parents, Loren was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter Mila Sue and two brothers: Clair and Milo Zimmerman. Private graveside funeral services will be held at Lincoln Cemetery and are under the care of Paul L. Gravenor Home For Funerals, Ephrata, PA.