Palmer M. Zimmerman
1926 – 2005
Palmer Melvin Zimmerman, son of Herman and Frieda (Hink) Zimmerman was born January 12, 1926, in Effington Township rural Parkers Prairie. He was baptized and confirmed by Reverend H. Raedeke at St. James Lutheran Church in rural Parkers Prairie.

He received his education at District 85, after which he farmed with his father until 1948. Palmer married Elaine Wussow October 10, 1948, at St. James Lutheran Church. Palmer and Elaine farmed in Leaf Valley Township until 1955, when they left to spend four years in Silver Bay, where Palmer worked for Reserve Mining. They returned to the farm in 1959.

Palmer was a member of St. James Church and served often on the church council, and was also a member of the men’s club and choir. A 15-year member of the volunteer Fire Department in Leaf Valley, Palmer was a member of the Sportsman’s Club and belonged to a foxhunting group in the area. In 1988, the couple moved to Alexandria where together they managed an apartment complex. Palmer also worked for Green View at the local rest areas, where he became a foreman at Bergen and Latoka rest areas. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and in the last years did some woodworking for a hobby. Palmer retired in 1997, and enjoyed getting together with his many cousins and friends reminiscing about the past.

Palmer died on Saturday, October 15, 2005, at Bethany Home in Alexandria at the age of 79. He is survived by his wife Elaine of Alexandria, sons Grant (Heidi) of San Dimas, CA, Randy (Lois) of Kensington, James (Pam) of Alexandria, daughters Judy (Willy) Klotz of Park Rapids, Lori (Carl) Henning of Parkers Prairie, 17 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, sisters Loraine Schrader and Verla Ruckheim, both of Parkers Prairie and Marlys Anderson of Litchfield, brothers Vernon (Lucille) of Stacy, and Richard of Alexandria, sister-in-law Dianne Zimmermann of Parkers Prairie, step-brothers Glen and Ray Hempshill and step-sister Donna Roiko all of Sebeka. Palmer was preceded in death by his parents, brother Harvey and step-mother, Pearl.

A funeral service was held on Wednesday, October 19th, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Alexandria, with Reverend Wade Meyer officiating. Organist was Nancy Gesell and soloist was Myron Larson. Interment was held in South Effington Township at St. James Cemetery with casket bearers being Palmer’s grandsons Nathan Henning, Kyle Henning, Derek Henning, John Lee, Jethro Klotz, Timmothy Zimmerman, Landry Zimmerman, Brad Zimmerman, James Eli Zimmerman, honorary casket bearers were Palmer’s granddaughters and great-grandchildren.

Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.