Russell Edward Zimmerman, 91, died September 12, 2019 at the Trinity Hospital at Wolf Point. He was born in Wolf Point, Montana, February 6, 1928. He was the sixth child of seven children born to Ernest Edward and Elsie Mittag Zimmerman.
He was raised north of Wolf Point, went to summer school, and graduated from Wolf Point High School in 1945. He received the Bosch and Lomb science award at graduation. He married Shirley Lien September 17, 1950 and they had 4 children; Layne (Leslie), Darrel (Jennifer), Marlys Schumacher (Jerry Aston), and Grant (Pepper).
Russell was a lifelong member of the First Lutheran Church. He served in church council, county planning board, and Frontier school board. He farmed until retirement in 2011 when he moved to Wolf Point. He loved his farm and family and he loved to dance. He insisted he was not a very good welder, but he welded everything. He even made a trailer to haul his father-in-law’s boat. He was creative, capable, and effective and willing to try new methods.
Russell was preceded in death by his parents; five sisters, Lavern, Doris, Marjorie, Bernice, and Virginia; and his brother, Richard.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley; four children; eight grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren. He will be missed.
There will be a memorial service at the First Lutheran Church, 415 Johnson Street, in Wolf Point on Friday, September 20 at 2:00 p.m. with lunch to follow. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family by using the form below.
Christine Holler-Dinsmore says
Dear family, Deepest condolences on the death of Russell. He was a treasure and we will miss his quiet sense of humor, his vast knowledge of the area and farming and ranching. He was a very good friend to us and taught us pinochle as well as deep commitment and kindness. We share your sorrow. May the love of God, friends and family and hope of the resurrection, bring healing and peace. In prayer and love Chris and Greg.
Dick Owens says
Shirley and family, Barb and I send our deepest sympathy on Russell’s. We enjoyed our visit with you on our last time in Wolf Point and I visited with Russell while we watched the ball game. Russell had a quiet confidence and loved farming, and as one of you once said he knew every rock and clod of dirt in the fields. We wish you our best. Barb and Dick
SCOTT TAYLOR says
Shirley..Darrel..and Grant and families…Gail and I extend our love and prayers to you all at the loss of Russell….I’ll miss the trips to the farm to pump that tank…and later on seeing him getting his daily exercise down the alley..May God comfort you….Scott and Gail Taylor
Laurie Anderson says
Everyone,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Lots of memories as neighbors. Prayers to all of you.
Trudy Fox says
Shirley and all your family – My sympathy and prayers go out to all of you.
Trudy Fox
Tomina Kinzie says
Grant and Family,
Our deepest condolences for your family at this time. I know the pain of losing a father and pray for peace for you.
Enid Jensen says
Shirley & family,
It was so good to see Shirley & Russel when I & Kathy were visiting Wolf Point a couple of years ago. ( Maybe longer) We had such a good visit remimissing about farm life and the memories we shared about our families. May God’s love comfort you as you grieve your loss of a loved one.
Dale Stensland says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Russell was a good man, my Godfather. He always had a big smile for me, he will be missed by all! Dale.