Ira "Big I" Zimmerman

Ira E. “Big I” Zimmerman of McCook died at Grand Island. Monday September 21, 2009 after many years struggling with kidney failure. He was 65 years old.

Ira was born in McCook, October 29, 1943 to Ross C. and Doris F. (McClung) Zimmerman. He grew up and attended schools in McCook with the class of 1961.

On August 19, 1975 he married Patty A. Wagner in Denver, Colorado. To this union a daughter, Jessica was born.

Ira was a member of the First Congregational Church. He farmed raising crops and cattle. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends as well as tractor pulls, drag racing and traveling.

Preceding him in death were his parents; an infant daughter, Rebecca; fathers-in-law, Robert Wagner and Raymond Trupp; and brother-in-law Jim Trupp.

Survivors include: his wife Patty of McCook; daughter Jessica Gramins and husband Gary of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; mother-in-law, Lorna Trupp of McCook; brother, George Zimmerman of Red Bluff, California; sisters, Theresa Ware of Quincy, Wash., Rachael McBride and husband Ted of Lamoille, Nev., Grace Carse of Edinburg, Tex.; a brother-in-law, Mike Wagner of Ft. Laramie, Wyoming; sisters-in-law, Sharon Frimann and husband Steve of Stapleton, Kathie Cappel and husband Dick of McCook, Karen Allen and husband Maurice of Broomfield, Colo., and Mary Beth Carlson and husband Jim of Lincoln; nieces, nephews and numerous friends.

Memorials were being accepted in his name.

Funeral services were at First Congregational Church, Thursday, Sept. 24, at 1 p.m. with Rev. Steve Bales officiating. Burial took place in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook was in charge of the arrangements.