To the world you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world.  Taylor Hanson

After two failed relationships—the first due to desertion, the second because of bigamy—Luanne was left to raise four children as a single mother.  With the support of family, a strong faith in God and deep devotion to His Blessed Mother, she survived the challenges and in her sixties, met and married the “Love of her Life.”

Here are excerpts from her thoughts expressed in his eulogy. 

When I was a young girl, I dreamed of someday meeting a “Knight in Shining Armor” who would love me and treat me like a princess. 

I had to wait a long time for my Prince Charming—61 years in fact–and who would believe that he would be a little 76-year-old man with two artificial hips and a decided limp.  George was his name, and he was indeed a hero, having served with the 101^st Airborne Division in WWII and in the Korean Conflict as well.  He took part in the landing at Normandy and was injured in the Battle of the Bulge. 

Not only did he see action in five major campaigns, but he became a firefighter in civilian life.  Truly he was my brave hero.

The first time I let George hold my hand, we were attending Mass together.  His hand was so strong and warm, and I felt safe beside him.  We held hands at Mass every day from then on.  

And indeed I was his princess.  Not a day went by without his telling me that I was beautiful.  He never passed my chair without leaning over to give me a kiss.

We were married only two months, when it was discovered that George had leukemia; and for over five and a half years we fought this last battle together.  We went to daily Mass, we took trips, we enjoyed our family* and we thanked God for every moment we had together. 

In the end it was I who had to take care of George, as his body wasted away from the disease.  But he always remained my hero.  I know that he would have flung his own body in front of mine to save me. 

I also know that I haven’t seen the last of George Zimmer.  I know that when I pass from this life, he’ll be there waiting to put his strong hand in mine and lead me straight to Jesus’ side, where we will reside with all the angels and saints for all eternity. 

And so, George, I will not say goodbye, but “Until we meet again, my hero.” 

                                                                          Love, Your Lu

• George embraced Luanne’s children and grandchildren and treated them as his own. They in turn reciprocated his attention and affection.