Herbert John Zumbach

Herbert John Zumbach, 86, of Ryan, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, November 25, 2020, at the Regional Medical Center in Manchester surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 29, 1934, on the family farm in Hazel Green Township, the son of John F. and Carrie (Harder) Zumbach.  Herb was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Peace Lutheran Church, Ryan. He was raised and attended country school in the Delaware County area and graduated from Coggon High School in 1951.  He joined the Army Reserve in 1957 and served actively until being released to help his father who was ill.  Herb was discharged in 1963. 

On June 8, 1962, Herb was united in marriage to Mary Ann Diercksen at Peace Lutheran Church. Three children were born to this union. Together they farmed in the Ryan area, moving to Prairie Township in 1967. 

In his youth, Herb was an active member of 4-H receiving several awards.  He was named the Champion Delaware County Dairy Member for 3 years. He was the top Livestock Judge at the Iowa State Fair in 1954 and named the 4-H Brown Swiss Member of Iowa. Herb was awarded a trip to the 4-H Club Congress in Chicago.  He remained active with 4-H as a County 4-H leader for 10 years and received the 4-H Alumni Award.  Herb was a member of the FHA County Committee, Farm Bureau board member and treasurer, a member of the AMPI board and the DHIC. The Registered Brown Swiss dairy herd was started in 1926 by his grandfather and father. He was the 3rd generation member of the National Brown Swiss Cattle Breeders’ Association.  In 1975, he was recognized as the Delaware County Outstanding Dairyman.  The milking herd was sold in 1997 and he fully retired from farming in 2003, but he remained on the farm until his passing.

In 1975, Herb was diagnosed with acute leukemia. For 25 years, he participated in an agricultural health study for Iowa and North Carolina.  The study was about how pesticide use and other farm activities may impact health.  They worked with the University of Iowa and Duke University.

He was a very active individual, but spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren was most important.  Whether it was talking, playing games, doing puzzles, helping with farm activities, helping with restoring equipment, gardening or going to their activities, he always treasured the time he spent with his family.

Herb is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Ann of Ryan; three children, Greg (Peggy) Zumbach of Gilbertville, Eric (Tami) Zumbach of Springville, and Pam (Chris) Deutmeyer of Ryan; six grandchildren, Spencer Zumbach and Brandon (Ariana) Zumbach; Nathen Zumbach; Blake, Trent and Madie Deutmeyer; one brother, James (Cathy) Zumbach of Manchester and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Harry Schmidt, one brother, Don Zumbach, and one brother in infancy.

A Private Family Burial took place at Peace Lutheran Cemetery in Ryan, Iowa, on Saturday, November 28, 2020.

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