Ervin V. Zumbach Obituary (1931

Erv Zumbach, 77, of Independence, Iowa and formerly of Aurora, died with cancer on Tuesday morning, May 19, 2009 at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester, Iowa. Funeral Service: 11:00 A.M. Friday, May 22, 2009 at Zion Lutheran Church, Oelwein, with Rev. Roger McKinstry officiating. Visitation: starting at 3:00 P.M. on Thursday at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home, Oelwein and for one hour before the service at the church on Friday. Aurora American Legion Military Service & Memory Sharing: 7:00 P.M. on Thursday at the funeral home. Graveside Service: 2:15 PM on Friday at Oaklawn Cemetery, Manchester, Iowa with graveside rites by the Aurora American Legion. A Memorial Fund has been established. Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com Ervin V. Zumbach was born on June 9, 1931 at Coggon, Iowa, the son of Albert & Lena (Messerli) Zumbach Sr. He grew up on the family farm near Coggon. Erv graduated from Coggon High School in 1948. While attending high school Erv played basketball, baseball and was actively involved in school plays and the glee club. After graduation Erv farmed. Erv then served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954 during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. Erv was united in marriage to Arlene M. Gallup on December 25, 1956 at Peace Lutheran Church in Ryan, Iowa. He farmed near Ryan until 1959 when he left the farm due to health issues. Erv moved his family to Oelwein where he served northeast Iowa as a Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Agent. Staying true to his agricultural roots, Erv went to work for the Royster Fertilizer Company and was promoted to Madison, Wisconsin, where he managed a five state area from 1965 to 1968. He and his family returned to "God's Country" where he owned and operated the Aurora Elevator from 1968 until his retirement. Erv and Arlene moved to Independence in October of 2007. Erv was proud of his Swiss heritage and he and Arlene had the opportunity to visit Switzerland in 1991. Erv was a lifetime member of the Lutheran Church. He taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, sponsored youth groups, served on several committees and was on the church council in both Aurora and at Zion Lutheran Church in Oelwein. Erv was a 41 year member of the Aurora American Legion Post #435. Erv was a 4-H member. He showed prize-winning dairy cattle and purebred swine. He received several awards including Senior Dairy Showmanship. Erv was a member and county chairman of the Iowa Fertilizer and Chemical Association. He was also a member of the Iowa Feed and Grain Association. Erv loved all sports and enjoyed coaching Little League Baseball for several years. Prior to the loss of a limb, he played basketball until age 34 as well as baseball and softball until age 41. Erv was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan but also enjoyed the Iowa State Cyclones and the U.N.I Panthers. He was a die-hard Green Bay Packer fan and cheered on the Chicago Cubs in the summer. Erv enjoyed the time he spent at the cabin on the Mississippi with family and friends. He especially loved to hunt and fish. After retirement, he enjoyed going to ball games and watching sports on television. He always said he was busier than ever after retirement, keeping up with and enjoying his grandchildren and their activities. Of all that he did in life, Erv loved his family and deeply enjoyed all the times he spent with them. Erv is survived by his Wife: Arlene of Independence; 3 Children: LuAnn (David) Gates of Independence, Brad Lee (Jill) Zumbach of Racine, Minnesota & Jana (Jeff) DeBrower of Marion; 5 Grandchildren: Jonathan (Tanya) Gates of Independence, Kristine Gates of Conrad, KayLea Zumbach of Newton, Ross Zumbach of Racine, Minnesota & Julian DeBrower of Marion; Brother: Albert (Betty) Zumbach, Jr. of Monticello and Many Nieces & Nephews. Erv was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Karl & Earl and two sisters-in-law: Pearl & Edna.