Dennis Zimmerman

Dennis E. Zimmerman, age 81 of Sauk Centre, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at his cabin in Erhard, Minnesota.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 4 at Zion Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Marty Porter officiating. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church.

Dennis Ervin Zimmerman was born March 30, 1942 in Fergus Falls, Minnesota to Ervin and Gladys (Boese) Zimmerman. He graduated from Pelican Rapids High School and furthered his education by attending North Dakota State School of Science and Moorhead State University. He was united in marriage to Carol Johnk on August 23, 1963 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sabin, Minnesota. Dennis and Carol moved to Sauk Centre in 1963 and Dennis worked at First National Bank and National Register Company before becoming a teacher. Dennis was a business teacher at Sauk Centre High School for 33 years, retiring in 2000.  As a DECA and BPA advisor, he took many students on trips to present at state and national competitions.

He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre and Ducks Unlimited. He became a member of Sauk Centre Lions Club and had 48 years of perfect attendance. During this time he served as club secretary for over 25 years, club president, District 5M4 Cabinet and District 5M4 Governor. He took great pride in his service with the clubs and received high honor awards including the International President’s Award (2nd highest award) and International Leadership Award (3rd highest award). When he wasn’t working on a Lions’ meeting or newsletter, his hobbies included gardening and sharing his vegetables with others, hunting, fishing, golfing, playing cards, spending time at the lake cabin near Fergus Falls, and being with family.

Dennis had a great love for his family and was deeply interested in their lives. Survivors include his significant other, Karen Achter; sons, Joey Zimmerman of Celina, Texas and David (Deb) Zimmerman of Redmond, Washington; son-in-law, John (Shelia) Mayo; six grandchildren, Melia, Peyton, Megan, & Taylor Zimmerman and Lindsay Mischke & Tyler Mayo; and sister, Darlene (Robert) Borene of Owatonna.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carol Zimmerman; and daughter, Debbie Mayo.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Sauk Centre Lions Club.