Darold Zimmer

Darold Zimmer, age 89 of Alexandria, formerly of Belview, passed away Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at Alomere Health in Alexandria. Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 25, 2024 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Alexandria (718 Victoria Dr, Alexandria, MN 56308) with visitation one hour prior. An additional visitation will be held 1:00-3:00 p.m. Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Belview with burial immediately following in the Belview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to either Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Belview or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com.  Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Darold Dennis Zimmer was born and raised in rural Vesta, MN, to Leona (Tordsen) and Wilbert Zimmer. He grew up with five siblings: Bernice, Dorothy, Maxine, June, and Merlin. He was baptized on December 25, 1934, and confirmed on May 9, 1948, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Vesta. Darold left school at age 14 to help on the family farm. Soon after, he met the love of his life, Norma Jane Wotschke. They moved to Belview, Minnesota, and were married on May 18, 1957, spending 67 wonderful years together. In Belview, Darold’s larger-than-life personality began to shine, and he became a beloved member of the community. He and Norma welcomed three children: Janee, Brian, and Brad. Darold supported his family and the surrounding farming community by working at the grain and feed elevator, and later as the city maintenance manager for over 30 years. In this role, Darold’s empathy and passion for helping others were evident. He took immense pride in keeping the city clean, safe, and always lending a hand to those in need, whether during a snowstorm or helping clear debris after summer storms. In addition to his city duties, Darold served as the town constable, grave digger, member of the Belview Preservation Committee, Fire Department, Belview Ambulance, and was active in the Booster Club and American Legion. His deep faith in God was central to his life, and he was an active member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Belview and later St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Darold enjoyed camping, fishing, trips to Wyoming, cutting wood, solving word puzzles, and spending time with Norma in the double swing at their home in Alexandria.

Darold made an unforgettable impact on everyone who had the opportunity to meet him. Whether in the park, at the mall, or simply sitting in his driveway, he was always quick to ask how you were doing, truly listen, and offer a thoughtful response – whether you were a stranger or family. He was more than just a “people-person”; Darold had a remarkable ability to connect with people and build lasting relationships across entire communities. While Darold loved meeting new people and building connections, his greatest joy in life was his family. He was incredibly proud of his three children, his six grandchildren brought him endless happiness, and he adored his seven great-grandchildren. His family was the heart of his life, and he took immense pride in each one of them.

Darold is survived by his wife Norma; children: Janee Corder, Brian Zimmer, and Brad (Deb) Zimmer; grandchildren: Nathan (Nikki) Corder, Kristen (Cody) Hammack, Cassandra (Paul) Krueger, Levi (Alicia) Zimmer, and Denver Zimmer; great-grandchildren: Adam & Isaac Corder, Berkley Hammack, Blake, Luke, & Bree Krueger, and Arthur Zimmer; sister Bernice Pischke; sister-in-law Janet Wotschke; and several nieces & nephews. Darold is preceded in death by his parents, Leona and Wilbert Zimmer; granddaughter, Heidi Corder; sisters, Dorothy (Melbourn) Pischke, Maxine (Marion) Meyer, June (Ken) Tietz; brother Merlin Zimmer; and brothers-in-law: Wally Pischke and Ken Wotschke.