Douglas Dennis Zimmer

Doug Zimmer, age 71, of Cottonwood, Minnesota, died on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Alomere Health Hospital in Alexandria, Minnesota. A Memorial Celebration of Life Visitation will be held at Prairie's Edge Casino and Resort in Granite Falls, Minnesota, on Friday, August 11, 2023. The evening will begin at 5:00 p.m. in the Yellow Medicine Room and a Memory Share is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Please come with a story to share and support his family as Doug's life is celebrated and remembered by those he loved.

Douglas Dennis Zimmer was born on May 1, 1952, to Donald and Sharon (Green) Zimmer. He was baptized as an infant and confirmed in his youth in the Christian faith. Doug grew up all over Southwest Minnesota as the family moved several times with his father's business, but he had fond memories in Louisberg. He graduated with the Wood Lake High School class of 1970 and furthered his education at the Alexandria Technical and Community College, graduating in 1972.

Doug immediately started as a deputy with the Lyon County Sheriff, was later promoted to Chief Deputy Sheriff, and served there for 33 years. Doug met Ms. Mary Jo Burckhardt at work and the two were united in marriage on July 8, 1982. The couple made their home in Marshall and Doug later retired on July 1, 2005. In 2013 he and Mary Jo moved to Alexandria, where they loved to spend time on Lake Miltona, and just last year moved back to Cottonwood.

Doug was a member of the Eagles Club, the Elks, and a long-time member of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Marshall. After his return to Cottonwood, he attended Grace Life Church. Doug’s humor and kindness attracted new friends everywhere he went. His enjoyments in life included fishing, hunting, woodworking, and motorcycle trips with his brothers. He and Mary Jo enjoyed spending some winters South, in Florida and Georgia, and he always found an excuse to spend time outdoors in nature and could often be found sneaking a quick nap outside regardless of the weather. He tried his luck at the casino from time to time but his true reward was time spent with his family - particularly his grandchildren.
Doug Zimmer passed away on Saturday, July 22, 2023, in Alexandria, Minnesota. He had reached the age of 71 years, 2 months, and 21 days. Blessed be his memory.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo Zimmer of Cottonwood; 4 daughters, Tricia (and Brad) Johns of Marshall, Tonia (and Johnny) Bandy of McCormick, SC, Chelsey (and Phil) Reed of Cottonwood, Tory Zimmer of Shakopee; 9 grandchildren, Danica Czeck, Brandon Verkinderen, Alex Verkinderen, Jasmine Zimmer, Dillon Sampson, Beckett Hodges, Kennedy Hodges, Brixton Reed, Micah Zimmer-Abojei; 6 step-grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren, Brielle Czeck, Lauren Czeck, Mariah Czeck; 7 step-great-grandchildren; 4 brothers, Mike (and Chris) Zimmer of Medina, MN Minneapolis, Randy (and Kris) Zimmer of Milaca, Dan (and Kay) Zimmer of Newnan, GA, Tom Zimmer of KS; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Sharon Zimmer; and a granddaughter, Mariah Verkinderen.