Don's journey began on December 14, 1925, when he was born in St. Paul, Nebraska to the parents of Jacob and Clara Zimbelman.It was a humble beginning being raised with six brothers and one sister in a one bedroom home.The circumstances of his childhood began the molding of a man that would grow to have great faith in God. Little did Dad know, God's secret in his development was a praying mother.
He graduated from St. Paul High School and enlisted in the United States Navy.He quickly learned that freedom came at a high price when his brother Edward was killed during the war.Don faithfully served his country during WWII and the Korean War.During leave he attended his brother's wedding.Little did he realize his life was about to change.He met the love of his life, Mildred Suchanek.
Don then made the decision not to re-enlist in the navy but instead enlist in a marriage commitment that would span over the next 70 years.They were married March 8, 1947.The love that bound them together as a couple grew as they were blessed with three children; Donald Jr., Susan, and Bruce.
Since Don and Mildred grew up during the depression they vowed they would work together to be able to give their children more then what they had. So in the beginning years,Don worked for Mobil Oil during the day and Mildred worked at night.
His life was filled with family and friends as he participated in many different activities such as playing on a softball team, golfing, acting in a play, gardening , and teaching his children and grandchildren to swim.We always knew when dad was home because the peanut butter jar was empty.
Don's witty comments always kept us filled with laughter, although when it came to the principles to build our life upon he was serious.After retiring from Mobil Oil Corporation, they returned to Omaha, Nebraska to be close to family and begin a new adventure of faith, Divine Truth Christian Store.The store started out with 1,000 sq ft. and grew every few years.
He was a man of prayer and the Lord always answered him sometimes in a most unique way.One such answerhe called the "Miracle on 84th Street" .They wanted to build a new bookstore, but he was cautious. He prayed and waited on God while lease/building negotiations continued for over a year. The "Miracle on 84th Street" was birthed into fruition when we were able to design/build the new Divine Truth Christian Store.
Don loved to talk about God's Word not only with his family but with customers who came into the store.Prayer was always the solution he gave to people who shared their difficult moments with him.Being 92 years old never stopped him from going to the bookstore to put in a good days work.His last work visit was Thursday, April 26th.
He was always there for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to help them in times of need and to celebrate their accomplishments.Even going out to eat with him could be an adventure as his great-granddaughter recounted the time they messed up the order and Don's response was that's okay we'll just take a free pie.To everyone's surprise at our table, the waitress returned with a pie.
Proclaiming the saving power of Jesus Christ was his passion,He let everyone know Jesus was the only way to the Heavenly Father.Every doctor and nurse knew that the true physician was Jesus.
He prayed for them to be mightily used by the Lord.When Kim, his visiting nurse, came to see him for the last time she asked him if he was ready to see his lovely wife Mildred again?She told him his body was failing.Don's quick reply to Kim was Psalm 103:3, "No! My body is not failing because Jesus took away all my iniquities and all my diseases."Then he asked her if someone takes something from you do you still have it?She responded no.Exactly he stated because Jesus took his diseases and his body was being filled with His glory.He told Kim he wouldn't die but would live forever.
One of Don's final lessons to his family was the necessary 3 steps he felt he had to take.He reassured us it was time and everything would be okay.As I thought on His words, I realized each step revealed his walk with God.
1st –He needed to receive Jesus as his Lord and Savior to become a child of the Almighty God.Jesus said to him, " I am the way, the truth, and the life.No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6
2nd-He needed to receive the Holy Spirit that Jesus promised He would send to guide and teach him about God's Word and God's will for his life of love and service to Jesus."But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Acts 1:8
3rd-To step into eternity and be received by His Heavenly Father and hear those most coveted words,
"Well donemy good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of the Lord."Matthew 25:21
On April 30th, Donald L.Zimbelman took that 3rd step into eternity where he was greeted by his beloved wife, Mildred and all the family that had gone before him.He waits expectantly for us to follow.To God be the Glory.
He is preceded in death by his parents Jacob and Clara Zimbelman, and his loving wife of 70 years, Mildred R. Zimbelman.
He is survived by his children Donald Jr. (Sandra) Zimbelman, Susan (Rod) Mackrill, and Bruce (Debbie) Zimbelman, 14 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
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