Obituary of Clathamae Malba Zimmel

Mrs. Clathamae Malba Zimmel, age 87, of Winter Haven, Florida, went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, May 13, 2022, at Winter Haven Hospital surrounded by family. Clatha was born October 4, 1934, in Wadena, Minnesota, to Chester Jonathan and Lida-Mae (Marsh) Olson. She was a Winter Haven resident since 2012, but she and her husband were snowbirds for several years before staying permanently. Clatha was a homemaker, a member for more than 60 years of True Hope Fellowship Assembly of God Church in Virginia, Minnesota, and attended Christ Community Church in Winter Haven. In Minnesota she established the People Helping People Cooperative, which assisted families with bulk food purchases, and was the owner-operator of a cake decorating business. She also volunteered for Meals on Wheels and served in her church. In Florida, Clatha enjoyed participating in social activities in her Vienna Square Community, sewing, quilting, stamping, facilitating Bible study groups,  and spending time with her family.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband – George Zimmel in 2011; 4 brothers – Armand, Clayton,  Maldon & Jerome; 2 sisters – Barbara & Lavonne; and son-in-law – Wayne Vaneps in 2021. Clatha is survived by her loving family, 3 sons – Norman (Ailin) Zimmel of Winter Haven, Florida, Paul Zimmel and David Zimmel both of Virginia, Minnesota; daughter – Carol Vaneps of Aurora, Minnesota; 2 brothers – Barry Olson and Jerry Olson; 6 grandchildren – Nicholas, Amanda, Jacob, Louie, Bobbi Rae & Tiffany; and 3 great-grandchildren – Kyler, Zoe & Riley. A memorial service will be scheduled for early June at True Hope Fellowship in Virginia, Minnesota. Inurnment will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Hewitt, Minnesota.