Harvey L. Zimmerle, age 85, formerly of Olney, passed away on June 13, 2024. He was born December 15, 1938 a son of Harvey L. and Nola (Coplea) Zimmerle. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 10:00 at Maple Dale Cemetery in Olney, Illinois with military rites by the local veterans.

Colonel Zimmerle, a native of Olney, Illinois, was commissioned a Second Lieutenant via the PLC program, in June 1961, following his graduation from Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois.  Upon completion of the Basic School, in April 1962, he reported to the First Marine Division, FMF, for duty as a Platoon Commander, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines.  

In September of 1962 he was transferred to Second Battalion, Fifth Marines where he served as a 106 Recoiless Rifle Platoon Commander, Executive Officer of Golf Company, and Commanding Officer of Headquarters and Service Company.  He was promoted to First Lieutenant in December 1962.

During November 1963 he was ordered to First Service Battalion where he served as the Administrative Officer, Medium Support Company and as the Executive Officer, Supply Company until May 1965.

For the next two years he served as the Combat Cargo Officer of the USS CAVALIER (APA 37), homeported in San Diego, California.  He was promoted to Captain in September 1965 and deployed to WESTPAC aboard the USS CAVALIER in support of amphibious operations in Vietnam.

Upon transfer in July 1967, he attended the Amphibious Warfare School and the Marine Advisor School at Quantico, Virginia.  After graduation he reported to the Republic of Vietnam where he was the Commanding Officer of Hotel Company, Second Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines and the Senior Advisor to the Second Battalion, Third Regiment, 1st ARVN Division.  He was promoted to Major in December 1968.

Ordered to the Great Lakes in August 1969 he served as the Deputy Director of Fleet Hometown News Center for three years.

In July 1972 Colonel Zimmerle rejoined the First Marine Division serving as the Division Mount-Out Officer and as the Operations Officer and the Executive Officer of the Second Battalion, 1st Marines.  From July 1975 to July 1976, he served with the Ninth Marines as the Camp Services Officer at Camp SCHWAB, Okinawa.

He attended the Air Command and Staff College at MAXWELL Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama, prior to reporting to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California as the Facilities Officer.  He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in June 1978 and served as the Commanding Officer, 1st Recruit Training Battalion from August 1978 to May 1979, and as the Commanding Officer of Weapons Training Battalion (MCRD) until August 1982.  He was then assigned to Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton as the Training Facilities Officer.  Colonel Zimmerle was promoted to his present rank in July 1983 and served as the Assistant Chief of Staff G-4, First Force Service Support Group from August 1983 to July 1986.  On 8 August 1986, Colonel Zimmerle assumed command of Marine Barracks, Japan.

Among his decorations are three Bronze Stars with Combat “V”, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, Two Navy Commendation Medals with Combat “V” and Gold Star, and the Army Commendation Medal.

Colonel Zimmerle was married to the former Suzanne Summers of Charleston, Illinois. They have two granddaughters, Brooke and Faith.  Suzanne passed on December 2017. He later married Donna Mosby on January 25, 2019.

Meyer Funeral Home, Olney, IL