Joan Zimmerman Obituary

Joan Zimmerman, age 81, of Ulen, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND.
With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Joan Marie Zimmerman-beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and faithful servant of God-who departed this life on July 9, 2025, at the age of 81.
Joan met the love of her life, Wayne, in high school at Moorhead State College High School. They were united in marriage on September 1, 1962, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Moorhead. In March 1964, they moved to Ulen, Minnesota, and began their life together on the family farm.
As the devoted wife of a hardworking farmer, Joan embraced the rhythms of rural life with grace and strength. She was the heart of the homestead-helping on the farm alongside Wayne, preparing family meals, tending to the gardens, and keeping the farm books. Her hands were never idle, and she poured love into every task. Every visitor was greeted with a smile and food.
After retiring from farming in 2009, Wayne and Joan spent their winters in Mission, Texas. They cherished their retirement years traveling and spending time with many old and new friends.
A nurturing mother to three children, a proud grandmother to eight, and a great-grandmother to twelve, Joan found her greatest joy in her family. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, and unconditional love. She taught by example-instilling in her children the values of hard work, kindness, and unwavering faith.
Beyond her home, Joan served her community for ten years as a dedicated school paraprofessional at Ulen-Hitterdal Schools. She had a special gift for working with children, offering patience, encouragement, and a listening ear to every student she met.
A devout Catholic, Joan was a pillar of her parish community. She served in many roles over the years at St. William's Catholic Church. She rarely missed a Mass, prayed daily, and lived her faith through quiet acts of service and compassion. Her trust in God was unshakable, and her life was a testament to the power of prayer and perseverance.
Joan will be remembered for her warm smile, generous heart, and steadfast devotion to the people and principles she held dear. Though she has left this earthly life, her legacy of love and faith will live on in all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband, Wayne; sons, Bob (Tammy) and Randy (Deanna); daughter, Mary; grandchildren: Jon (Amber), Bret (Lexy), Jared (Tara), Heather (Garett), Cris (Samantha), Kaylee (Mike), Cody (Megan), and Brittany (Keith); and great-grandchildren: Kadence, Oliver, Chloe, Ayden, Leia, Madison, Conner, Caleb, Sawyer, Carson, Justin, and Alva. She is also survived by her sisters: Lillian, Carol, and Linda; and sister-in-law, Charleen.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ethel and Lloyd Tabery; and her brothers, George and Mike.
The family extends special thanks to Charleen for her time, love and support during Joan's final journey.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 5:00pm – 7:00pm, with prayer service beginning at 6:30pm, at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Twin Valley, MN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, at 11:00am, with a visitation continuing one hour prior, at the St William Catholic Church in Twin Valley. The burial will take place at Bethlehem North Cemetery in Ulen.
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