Marion "Zipper Zemo

September 8, 1940 - January 11, 2024

Marion “Zipper” Zemo passed away on January 11, 2024 after 83 eventful years. Though he resided in Oskaloosa for the last of them, you were more likely to find him in Centerville, where he raised his family, or Jerome, where he grew up. Aside from the occasional trip to Austin, Texas where two of his children live, he never felt the need to go anywhere else.

In his life he identified as many things: proud family man, one of four brothers, barber shop owner, hobby hypnotist, member of the Southeast Iowa Blue Knights chapter, Centerville’s Assistant Police Chief, foster parent, member of the National Guard, and Croatian.

He was naturally creative, once upon a time expressed through art, writing, and photography, and more recently witnessed through the mannequins he found in an alley and dressed up for holidays and events. Getting his hands dirty brought him much joy, whether that meant spearheading an impromptu demolition or procuring a new car or motorcycle to work on at his garage. His curiosity often inspired his mischief—the specifics of which we can’t disclose in writing, but are ironic for someone who dedicated 37 years to being a police officer. Balancing his wild streak was a gentleness and loyalty he gave freely, in addition to his delightfully clever mind that resulted in an unknown number of inside jokes.

He somehow managed to keep himself busier in retirement than he was before, often stopping by at 6am claiming to be “just in the neighborhood,” attending classic car shows, and never missing a Seymour High School class reunion (his own or not).

Now on the other side, he’s reunited with his mother Mary, father Frankie, brother Frankie Jr., and grandson Kole, among countless others. One day he’ll be the first to greet the many of us still here, including his wife of 57 years Jane; children Kimmie, Keri and husband Kirk, and Matthew and wife Charlotte; grandchildren Katie and husband Dylan, Quincy, Sam, Korey, Dominic, Kalianna, and Carmela; great-grandchildren Annabelle and Charlie; brothers Gene and Mike; and sisters-in-law Clara and Lynda. It’s impossible to even begin listing all of his friends.

Though he felt deeply loved, in his characteristic humbleness he never understood just how much. He built his legacy by accident, just by being himself. Now and forever our family is anchored by the example he set each day to lead with love and serve with selflessness.

He leaves his life fully lived. And if you asked him, he’d tell you it never could have been better.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Centerville Police Department or the Seymour Community Club. The visitation will be from 4-7pm on Friday, January 19 and the funeral will be at 10:30am on Saturday, January 20, both at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville. Interment will immediately follow the service at Oakland Cemetery. Condolences may be shared at www.thomasfh.com or facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome. The family asks you to join them in wearing blue to honor Marion’s time as a police officer and his commitment to always backing the blue.