Matter of Adoption of Zimmer

HENDERSON, Justice.

PARTIES

The two children involved in this appeal are Gregory James Zimmer, born September 30, 1966, and Jeffrey Lee Zimmer, born October 25, 1971. The children’s natural father is James Paul Zimmer (appellant) who was married to LaVonne Carol Schmei-chel (appellee) from November 1965 to July 1974. This marriage was terminated by divorce. In August of 1977, Gerald Henry Schmeichel (appellee) married appellee La-Vonne Carol Schmeichel. The Zimmer children remained in custody of LaVonne Carol Schmeichel and lived with her and Gerald Henry Schmeichel. Hereinafter, the parties…