Elmer Zinnel

February 19, 1935 - October 28, 2015

Elmer O. Zinnel, 80, of Dakota City, passed away October 28, 2015 at his home. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the Zion Lutheran Church in Humboldt with the Rev. J.K. Raether officiating. Interment will be in Union Cemetery, Humboldt, with full military honors by Adams American Legion Post 119 and Sathers-Odgaard VFW Post 5240. Visitation is 5-8 p.m. Friday (today) at the Mason-Lindhart Funeral Home in Humboldt. Elmer is survived by his children, Louise and Dennis Smith of Elberton, GA, Mark and DeAnna Zinnel of Boone, and Rebecca and Jeffrey Terwilliger of Dakota City; grandchildren, Andy Smith and Jamie Smith, Brandi Towne, Zachary and Cassey Zinnel, Nicholas and Alishia Zinnel, Kinsie Zinnel, and Bryant Zinnel, James Harrison, and Nikita Terwilliger; 8 great grandchildren; brother, Keel Zinnel of Humboldt; and sister, Zulah Humpal of Humboldt; and his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Maxine in 2005; sons, Toni James and James Dean Zinnel; granddaughter, Audrey Thorton; brother, Herbert Zinnel, and sisters, Velma and Cynthia Zinnel, Virginia Anliker, and Darlene Newton. Elmer Otto Zinnel, the son of Herbert and Dorothy (Ulrich) Zinnel, was born February 19, 1935 at Dakota City, Iowa. He was baptized at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at Whittemore and confirmed in Zion Lutheran Church in Beaver Township. He received his education in Dakota City, Eagle Grove, and Fort Dodge schools. Elmer was especially proud to receive his GED in 1979. On September 4, 1955, Elmer was united in marriage to Maxine McPherson at the Zion Lutheran Church in Beaver Township and the couple made their home in Dakota City most of their married lives. Elmer worked on area farms and for Agrico before going to work for the Department of Transportation where he retired from after 20 years of service. Elmer also retired from the Iowa Army National Guard as an E-7. Elmer was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church and the Humboldt Lions Club. He enjoyed playing cribbage, fishing, and riding his motorcycles. He never met a stranger and he especially enjoyed the time he spent with his family. Memorials may be made to the discretion of the family.