Merlin Wilbert Zimmer age 80 of Walnut Grove, formerly of Vesta, passed away Friday, July 16, 2010 at the Sogge Good Samaritan Care Center in Windom. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 21 at the Walnut Grove Funeral Home. Visitation will be held ne hour prior to the service on Wednesday. Interment is in the Vesta Cemetery. The Walnut Grove Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Merlin Wilbert Zimmer was born March 20, 1930 in Vesta, MN to Wilbert and Leona (Thorston) Zimmer. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Vesta, and attended country school district #3. After his schooling, Merlin served in the 47th Infantry Division of the US Army from January 1951 to November 1952 when he received his Honorable Discharge. Following his service, Merlin returned to Vesta. He worked for Schwan Food Company for 16 years. Merlin also worked for farmer Greg Anderson for nine years near Delhi, MN. He later worked at Jackpot Junction for six years, then the Morton Rubber Company for six years. Merlin moved to Country View Estates in Walnut Grove in June 2009. Merlin enjoyed raising horses in his younger years.

Merlin is survived by his siblings: Maxine Meyer of Swift Falls, Darold (Norma) Zimmer of Alexandria, Bernice Pischke of Vesta and June Tietz of Walnut Grove; brother in law Melbourne Pischke of Echo; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are his parents, sister Dorothy Pischke and brothers in law: Marion Meyer, Kenneth Tietz & Walter Pischke.