Don Zimmer, owner of Creative Carpets, passed away at home on November 4th with his son by his side. He was 74.
Donald Eugene Zimmer was born July 6, 1947 in Aurora, IL to Eugene and June (Pershing) Zimmer. They moved to Sioux City, IA when Don was an infant. Don grew up in Leeds and went to Leeds High School. He graduated from Nettleton Business school and then went to work in sales for Color Tile. He quickly moved up to Manager and became the first co-owner of his store in US. In 1984 he left Color Tile and started his own company, Creative Carpets.
On October 19, 1974 he married Kathy Hoffman in her home town of Burlington, IA. They resided in Sioux City and had 3 children, Stacie, Marcie, and Rob. His son, Rob, was able to take full-time care of him for the last 6 years at the same home he raised his family in as per his wishes.
Don had great pride in owning his own business and was very successful. Although work was extremely important so was his family. He loved taking family vacations to lake Okoboji when the kids were young. When the family got older, they took more adventurous vacations. Some favorites were horseback riding and white water rafting in Colorado, and scuba diving in Cancun. Don coached his son, Rob, in soccer and basketball, and never missed any of the children’s sports activities or school events. He loved sports and was a life-long Iowa Hawkeye & Dodger fan from Brooklyn to LA. Don’s daughters relished spending nights watching TV with him, and the whole family loved movies and going to the drive-in. Don’s hobbies included golfing, dog & horse racing, and music with his favorites being 60s and Elvis Presley. Don always kept a good sense of humor and enjoyed his dad jokes as well as inside jokes with his son, Rob. Don’s pets were a big part of his life. From dogs and cats, to fish, hamsters, and a rabbit, his house was lovingly referred to as the Zimmer Zoo. The last several years he enjoyed sitting by the pool, seeing his grandchildren play, and watching movies with his son.
Don is survived by his ex-wife, Kathy, who also stayed by his side. His daughter, Marcie Holzwarth and husband, Josh, and their children Cylas & Aviana. His son, Rob, and his children Alyssa & Addison. A sister and nephew.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, and oldest daughter, Stacie.
A private family gathering celebrating his life was held November 9th.