John “Jack” Edward Zimmer, 93, was born May 28, 1930, in Emmetsburg, Iowa, the son of Lambert J., Sr. and Matilda (Hildman) Zimmer. At the age of 7, the family moved to a farm near Fairmont, where he attended Catholic school until 8th grade. His interest in farming then called him to work for a local farmer in the area until moving to Armstrong where he resided with his sister and her husband while he then began working at the creamery there. Jack later joined the National Guard and in the fall of 1950, enlisted in the U.S. Army and served at Camp Rooker, Ala., where he was stationed for a year. In January 1952, he was deployed to Korea until his term ended in September of 1952.

Returning to Fairmont, it was not long, and Jack began his courtship with Nelda Rudig, from Welcome Minn. and they were united in marriage on Sept. 19, 1953, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Fairmont, Minn. Theirs was a marriage with a foundation of faith and devotion to each other. Together they raised their family of 7 children on the farm they called “home” in Silverlake Township, which is still in the family. Besides crop farming (and being known for straight rows and clean fields), they raised chickens, cattle and hogs, a big garden and family pets over the coming years. Jack and Nelda enjoyed Saturday nights out with friends through dance club and card group and visiting neighbors. During these years he was involved in community events and was known for always lending a helping hand. His land was farmed with pride; he was meticulous and he tended to every stray weed or piece of machinery that needed washing or service. Jack loved his farm and family with quiet, modest dignity and has left a legacy of integrity. They farmed for 37 years in Martin County, retiring in 1991. He served on the East Chain School Board for several terms, was dedicated and active in his church and the Knights of Columbus. They loved to entertain and hosted many gatherings throughout the years, always filled with laughter, friendship and an enjoyable time for whomever was present. After retiring, they built a home in Fairmont and spent their time enjoying their pontoon on the lakes of Fairmont in the summer, always with a grandchild in his lap helping steer and pulling a skier. Winters found them traveling south spending time between Arizona and Florida for several years until 1991, when they purchased a condo in Ft. Myers, Fla., where they enjoyed making new friends and entertaining visits from family and friends from the North.

Honored and left to cherish Jack’s memory are his children, Mary (Mike) Rudolph of Hudson, Wis., Steve (Bonita) Zimmer of Blue Earth, Minn., Kevin (Amy) Zimmer of Fairmont, Minn., Ron (Dawn) Zimmer of Prior Lake, Minn., Terry (Karla) of Huntley, Minn., and Jamie Zimmer of Cross Lake, Minn.; grandchildren, Michella (Joe) DeBaun, Ben (Abbey) Rudolph, Amanda (Wes) Geving, Dustin Rudolph, Beth (Josh) Leiding, Jeremy Zimmer, Delaney Zimmer, Traci Dedeker, Andrea (Cody) Westlund, Landon Zimmer, Logan Zimmer, Ryan (Rayauna) Zimmer and special furry friend, Luca; great-grandchildren, Brody and Chase Rudolph, Colten and Cash Rudolph, James and Jora Geving, Jaiden, Gabby, Saige and Mollie Leiding, Maddie and Noah Zimmer, Parker, Addalyn and Jack Westlund, Eliana and Leia Zimmer; sisters, Marlys Warman of St. Paul, Minn., Angela (Joe) Brinkman of Seven Bays, Wash., Bonnie Larson of Swea City, Iowa, Mary Jo Neusch of Fairmont, Minn.; sister-in-law, Carol Zimmer of Fairmont, Minn.; many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nelda, whom he loved on for 64 1/2 years; son, Randy Zimmer; infant granddaughter, Natalie Zimmer; his parents, Lambert and Mathilda Zimmer; parents-in-law, Ben and Hazel Rudig; infant brother; brothers, Lambert “Junior” Zimmer and Jerry Zimmer; sisters, Darlene Askeland and Sally Keough; brothers-in-law, Harlan Askeland, Bob Warman, John Keough, Chuck Neusch, Robert Rudig and Marion Rudig; sisters-in-law, Connie Zimmer, Phyllis Rudig and Elaine Rudig; and other extended family members.

The family asks that memorials be given in Jack’s name to the East Chain Activities Center, the Knights of Columbus, Moments Hospice, Goldfinch Estates, Saint John Vianney School Endowment Fund, or to the donor’s choice. www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net

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