Archived Services

Gene L. Zimmer
01-24-2011

Gene L. Zimmer, 76, passed away January 24, 2011 at his home in Sioux Falls surrounded by his family. He was born on October 29, 1934 to John H. and Mary A. (Flannery) Zimmer on the family farm north of Humboldt, South Dakota. He attended St. Ann's Elementary and graduated from Humboldt High School in 1952. He honorably served two years in the United States Army from 1957-1959. He retired from Morrell's in 1999. Gene married Lois F. O'Brien on October 11, 1960 in Sioux Falls, SD. They farmed north of Humboldt until Gene was activated with the South Dakota National Guard in 1961 during the Berlin Crisis. He was discharged in 1963. Gene is survived by his wife: Lois, Sioux Falls; three sons: Donald (Barb) Zimmer, Sturtevant, WI, Neal (Lynette) Zimmer and Carl Zimmer, both of Sioux Falls; five daughters: Marbenette (Mario) Watt, Sheridan, WY, Colleen Cressman, Sioux Falls, SD, Laurie Bennett, Garretson, SD, Katie (Ron) Mireau, New Prague, MN and Cecilia (Matt) Schmidt, Sioux Falls, SD; eighteen grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and six step-grandchildren; three brothers: Francis Zimmer, Hartford, SD, Steve (Donna) Zimmer, Sioux Falls, SD and Lyle (Mary Lou) Zimmer, Humboldt, SD; one brother-in-law: Leo McMahon, Sioux Falls, SD, and sister-in-law: Arlene Zimmer. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Peter and David; one sister: Rosemary and two infant brothers. Visitation will be Wednesday, 5 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home with a Scripture Vigil at 7 PM followed by the Rosary. Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, 10:30 AM at St. Joseph Cathedral with burial to follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Dell Rapids.