Richard Zimmerman

OBITUARY Richard (Dick) Leon Zimmerman was born on April 8, 1942 at St. Luke?s Hospital in Alexandria, the son of Herman and Frieda (Hink) Zimmerman. He was baptized at St. James Lutheran Church in South Effington Township. He attended services there until his move to Alexandria where he attended Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Richard lived on the home farm, first with his parents, and later with his brother and sister-in-law Harvey and Diane. Richard moved to Alexandria when it became necessary for him to live in a group home. He lived with the Prairie Community Services group homes from 1972 until his death. Richard enjoyed working and doing simple jobs at Alexandria Opportunity Center. He took pride in his tasks and anticipated his weekly ?Pay Checks?. Richard loved music and dancing, often being the ?star in the middle of the dance floor?! Bowling was another favorite past time for Richard and he never hesitated to show off his medals and trophy?s. He often went on trips with the staff and friends from the home. Some of his favorites were trips to the Black Hills of South Dakota, to Branson, Missouri, and many Twins Baseball games. Richard?s family was very important to him. He looked forward to fishing vacations with Vernon and Lucy, time with Marlys at her cabin, and holiday celebrations with Loraine, Verla, and other relatives. Richard loved people and had many friends. He had a good sense of humor and loved to tease and joke with friends and staff at Prairie Community Services. He taught us how to love unconditionally. He will be missed by all who came to know and love him. Richard L. Zimmerman died peacefully on Monday, June 13, 2011 at the Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria at the age of 69 years old. He is survived by his three sisters Verla Ruckheim, Loraine Schrader, and Marlys Anderson; sisters-in-law Elaine Zimmerman and Diane Zimmerman; step sister Donna Roiko; step brothers Glen Hemphill and Roy Hemphill; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Palmer, Vernon, and Harvey; brothers-in-law Eldor Ruckheim, Don Schrader, and Dennis Anderson; sister-in-law Lucy Zimmerman; nephew Walter Ruckheim; and step mother Pearl (Hemphill) Zimmerman. A funeral service was held on Friday, June 17, 2011 at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Alexandria with the Reverend David Domanski officiating. Janice Doebber was the soloist and Sue Nelson was the organist. Interment was in the St. James Lutheran Cemetery in South Effington Township, MN. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. www.andersonfuneral.net