Jo Ann Zimmerman

Jo Ann McIntosh Zimmerman (December 24, 1936 – October 22, 2019) was an American democratic politician who served as the 42nd Lieutenant Governor of Iowa from 1987 to 1991. She was the first woman to serve in the office of Lieutenant Governor in Iowa history. She also served as a nurse and congresswoman previously, while also being involved in various administrative organizations. Zimmerman was an advocate for women's and farmers' rights.

Early life Zimmerman was born on December 24, 1936, to Russell and Hazel McIntosh, in Van Buren County, Iowa as the eldest of three children. She graduated from Keosauqua High School (located in Keosauqua, Iowa) as valedictorian of her class in 1954. During her high school years, she helped to establish the first Girls Scout troop in Keosauqua and was active in fine arts, such as band and drama. Zimmerman completed her graduate work at Iowa University.

Political career

In 1982, Zimmerman won election to the Iowa House of Representatives where she advocated for improved healthcare, cleaner air, and living wills. Winning the Lt. Governor election meant that she was to serve as President of the Senate. Zimmerman was the first women to serve as Lt. Governor in Iowa history, and she was the second Democratic Lt. Governor to serve a Republican governor. She left office in 1991 after being defeated by Republican Joy Corning. Despite not being in government, Jo Ann Zimmerman still worked to improve farmers' and women's rights. In 1992, she co-founded the Democratic Activists Women's Network (DAWN, now known as Emerge Iowa) with the goal of helping more Democratic women get elected to office. Zimmerman also gathered nurses throughout Iowa to form the Nurses for Harkin advocacy group that became an unbiased health advisor to the US Senator.

On August 27, 2005, Jo Ann Zimmerman was inducted into Iowa Women's Hall of Fame with three other inductees: Johnie Wright Hammond, Brenda LaBlanc, and Susan Schechter. The Iowa Commission on the Status of Women (ICSW) sponsored the event, and Lieutenant Governor Sally J. Pederson alongside ICSW Chair Kimberly Painter presented the award to the recipients.

Death Zimmerman died of pulmonary fibrosis complications on October 22, 2019, at the age of 82. She had been suffering from the disease for about 8 years previously. A visitation service and her memorial service were both hosted by the First Christian Church in Des Moines, Iowa. Iowa governor Kim Reynolds also ordered the flags to be flown at half-mast for two days in her honor.