Alvin Fred Zimdars, age 90 of the Town of Seneca, passed away Monday, January 16, 2012 at a local nursing home. Born on March 4, 1921 at his parent's home on the family farm in the Town of Seneca, he was son of the late Emil and Ella (Salzman) Zimdars. Alvin was the youngest of 5 siblings and was often called "Little Alvin". Later when telling stories of his childhood, Alvin would also refer to himself as "Little Alvin". After graduating from the Marion High School in 1939, Alvin worked at the Wittenberg Bank as a teller. In later years when doing his banking he would remark "I stood right there 70 years ago." On August 21, 1943 he was united in marriage to Mary Meyer in Marion. Together the couple raised their family and farmed in the Town of Seneca. Mary preceded him in death on September 11, 2004 after 61 years of marriage. Alvin was drafted into the United States Marines on June 28, 1944, serving his country for 2 years during World War II where he saw action at Okinawa, Saipan and did his basic training at Camp Pendleton. Alvin spoke little of his time in service but did state, "Old men in power want war and young men die." After Alvin retired from farming, he continued to help his son, Charles on the farm. Alvin drove tractor and made wood until the age of 86. He was most at peace while on his land and he was content not to leave it. In his free time, Alvin loved to play cards and spend time with his family and friends. He also enjoyed going to his cottage, fishing, hunting, traveling, watching baseball at Tilleda and was a member of the Tilleda Fan Hall of Fame. Alvin excelled as the camp cook at the Zimdars Hunting Shack. He had a great sense of humor and truly enjoyed a simple life, watching girls' softball at Marion, a nice home cooked meal, watching the birds feed outside his window, a car ride to drive by his fields watching Charles farm, visit Mary at the cemetery or the love of his dog, Bear. Alvin is survived by: 3 daughters, Charlotte (Tom) Brandenburg of Bowler, Janet (David) Carpenter of Sheboygan, Joan (Mitch) Kalota of Howards Grove, 5 sons; Michael Zimdars of Bowler, Ronald Zimdars of Menasha, Charles (Peggy) Zimdars of Leopolis, Tom (Karla) Zimdars of Sobieski, Jerry Zimdars of Green Bay, 19 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and a first great great-grandson who is expected on Alvin's birthday, March 4, 2012. He is further survived by nieces and nephews. Alvin is the last of his generation of Zimdars. His grandfather, August Zimdars was one of the early pioneers of the area. Alvin is also preceded in death by his wife, Mary, 3 brothers, one sister, a grandson, Brian Brandenburg and a daughter-in-law, Marsha Zimdars. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday January 21, 2012 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Leopolis with Rev. Patrick Lloyd officiating. Burial will be in the Seneca Immanuel Cemetery in the Town of Seneca with Military Graveside Rites by the Shawano American Legion Post #117. Family and friends may call at the Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano on Friday, January 20, 2012 from 3 to 6 pm. www.swedbergfuneralhome.com