Harold Leo Zeimet

Harold Leo Zeimet, 89, passed away on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque, Iowa surrounded by his family. Services will be Saturday, March 12th, at 10:30 am at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Springbrook, Iowa with Fr. Paul Lippstock officiating. Visitation will be held at the Church Friday, March 11, from 4 to 7 pm with a scripture service at 3:30 pm. Friends may also call one hour before the service on Saturday. Burial will be at Sts. Peter and Paul cemetery in Springbrook where military rites will be accorded by Bellevue American Legion Post 273. Hachmann Funeral Home in Bellevue is in charge of the arrangements. Harold was born at Slabtown in Jackson County on April 30th, 1921 to John and Anna (Even) Zeimet. He attended rural and parochial school until eighth grade. In 1942 Harold was drafted into the Army, serving with the 96th Infantry Division until being wounded on Leyte Island in the Philippines. He was honorably discharged in April 1946, after receiving the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. While home on leave in 1945, Harold married Helen Caroline Michel on May 29th at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Harold enjoyed playing the accordion with the Oklahoma Cowboys, a popular band which performed locally and throughout the tri-state area. Throughout his life, he enjoyed singing old-time songs. In 1954, Harold and Helen founded Zeimets Garage in Springbrook, which was incorporated in 1976, and is now owned and operated by three of his sons. Duty to church and country was evident in Harolds life, as he served on the parish council, lectored at Mass and served as a Eucharistic Minister at Sts. Peter and Paul. Harold participated in Springbrook city government for 50 years, serving first as Councilman and as Mayor for 20 of those years. In that capacity, he served on the Jackson County Compensation Board and the Jackson County Economic Development Commission. He was a member of the Bellevue American Legion for more than 50 years. Harold was also a member of the Springbrook Senior Citizens group, where he enjoyed playing cards. Surviving to honor his memory are his wife of 65 years Helen, and their ten children Dick (Marie) of Bellevue, Carol (Larry) Knapp of Dubuque, Judi (Bob) Stephany of Springbrook, John (Carol) of Dubuque, Dan (Kathy) of Springbrook, Doug (Brenda) of Andrew, Sue ( Dr.Kevin) Imoehl of Oelwein, Kevin (Mary) of Muscatine, Nancy (Jim) Farrell of DeWitt, and Curt (Lucy) of Bellevue, 20 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; a sister, Eileen Costello of Pensacola, Florida, and sisters-in-law Gertrude Zeimet of Bellevue and Dorothy Zeimet of Maquoketa. Harold was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Alvin, Clarence and Orville, sister Dula Budde, son-in-law Mike Sullivan, and great-granddaughter Katherine Casey. Online condolences may be left at www.HachmannFuneralHome.com.