Jo Ann Zimmerman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jo Ann Zimmerman
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| 42nd Lieutenant Governor of Iowa | |
| In office January 1987 – January 1991 |
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| Governor | Terry Branstad |
| Preceded by | Robert T. Anderson |
| Succeeded by | Joy Corning |
| Member of the Iowa House of Representatives from the 89th district |
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| In office January 10, 1983 – January 11, 1987 |
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| Preceded by | Charles Poncy |
| Succeeded by | Wayne McKinney |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Jo Ann McIntosh
December 24, 1936 Van Buren County, Iowa, U.S. |
| Died | October 22, 2019 (aged 82) Des Moines, Iowa, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Tom Zimmerman |
| Profession | Nurse |
Jo Ann McIntosh Zimmerman (born December 24, 1936 – died October 22, 2019) was an important American politician. She served as the 42nd Lieutenant Governor of Iowa from 1987 to 1991. As a member of the Democratic Party, she made history. Jo Ann Zimmerman was the very first woman to hold the office of Lieutenant Governor in Iowa.
Early Life and Education
Jo Ann Zimmerman was born on December 24, 1936. Her parents were Russell and Hazel McIntosh. She grew up in Van Buren County, Iowa, as the oldest of three children.
She finished high school at Keosauqua High School. Later, she went on to graduate from Drake University. She also studied at Iowa State University. Before becoming a politician, Jo Ann worked as a nurse. She also helped raise cattle on her family's farm.
In 1956, she married Tom Zimmerman. Together, they had five children.
Political Career in Iowa
Jo Ann Zimmerman began her political journey in 1982. She won an election to join the Iowa House of Representatives. While serving there, she focused on health issues. She worked to improve healthcare for people in Iowa.
In 1986, she ran for Lieutenant Governor of Iowa. She won this election, becoming the first woman to hold this important position in Iowa's history. As Lieutenant Governor, Jo Ann Zimmerman was a strong voice for change. She even suggested getting rid of her own office. She felt it was mostly a symbolic role. She also supported other ideas to help people.
In 1990, she briefly thought about running for governor. However, she decided to run again as Lieutenant Governor. She was on the ticket with Donald Avenson. They ran against the current governor, Terry Branstad. They did not win the election. Jo Ann Zimmerman left office in 1991.
Later Life and Passing
Jo Ann Zimmerman passed away on October 22, 2019. She was 82 years old. She died from problems related to pulmonary fibrosis. She had been dealing with this illness for about eight years.
See also
- List of female lieutenant governors in the United States
