LEON WALLACE ZIMDARS APRIL 29 1921 – AUGUST 29 2018 97 years 4 months Born and lived in Sullivan Wisconsin his entire life. Born April 29 1921 to Arthur and Alma (Giese) Zimdars. Died August 29 2018. Married Genevieve Haag May 22 1946 and celebrated 59 years of marriage with his beloved wife. Leon was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Sullivan, Wis. Leon served during WWII 1942-1945 in the US Army as a T5 in the 531st AAAW (Anti Aircraft Automatic Weapons) 30th Infantry. Unknown to most Leon served as a German translator and as an infantryman served in the European Theater Operation. Leon was a decorated soldier and recipient of the EAME Theater Ribbon, Silver Star Medal, Silver Battle Star, 5 individual Battle stars for his service in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe, 3 overseas service bars, Distinguished Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, and was awarded the prestigious French Legion of Honor Medal by the Government of France December of 2012. After his service during WWII, Leon was employed over 40 years as a maintenance supervisor, and mechanical engineer for Friskies Dog Food Factory in Jefferson, Wisconsin. At the age of 16, Leon joined the Sullivan Fire Dept as a volunteer fireman, and was an active member and past commander of the American Legion Post 349 for 72 years. Leon enjoyed fishing, camping and traveling the US with his children and wife. He and his wife showed champion Cochin Bantam chickens at local and state fairs. Leon spent many hours as a mentor to 4-H children who were interested in Poultry. Leon is survived by: Son, Dennis Zimdars (Kathy), daughter, Donna Zimdars Burns, Nephew, Darry Reuhl (Diane). Sister in laws: Isola Millett, Kathryn Louise Roberts, Betty Haag. Nieces and nephews. Four Grandchildren: Shelley Edwards (Crissie Elder), Stacy Neubauer, Dawn Neubauer, Andrew Zimdars. Five Great Grandchildren: Corey Elder-Edwards, Jack Elder-Edwards, Lillian Neubauer, Michael Neubauer, and Farah Zimdars. Preceded in death by his parents, wife Genevieve, and son Duane Zimdars. Leon will be buried Sept 22 2018, with Military honors at a private graveside service at St John’s Lutheran Church Sullivan, Wisconsin. Pastor Dean Zemple will officiate. Memorials can be directed to Sullivan Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 95, Sullivan, Wis. 53178
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Leon W Zimdars April 29 1921 August 29 2018 (age 97).
Death notice for the town of: Jefferson, state: Wisconsin