Ronald Zimmerman

Ronald Alvin Zimmerman, 82, of Shoreview Minnesota passed away on October 27, 2024.

Ronald was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin on October 10, 1942. He graduated from Memorial High School and continued his education at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire studying math and physics. 

Ron started his career in 1968 as a Hardware Diagnostic Engineer for Control Data Corporation working in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Arden Hills, MN. He was proud of his work and 21 years of service. He worked at other companies as a Software Engineer and Developer until his retirement in 2015 from DJO Global at age 72. 

Ronald married Shirley (Senese) on July 11, 1970. They were married for 54 years.

Ron was a born survivor. He is the brother to five sisters. They often claimed Mom liked him best. When they were young, Ron enjoyed listening to country music with his sister, Mary, and picking flowers at the greenhouse with sister, Sandy. He persevered in his adult life surviving many serious health conditions. He often said he was here on Earth by the grace of God, by the skill of the surgeons, and by the love of his wife. 

Ron was a quiet servant at heart. He was an adult leader in the Boy Scouts of America and helped establish Troop 625 in Shoreview, Minnesota. He and Shirley were chairs for the St. Odilia Fall Festival and facilitated confirmation classes. They also chaired the Snail Lake School Carnival for years and chaperoned countless school activities. He liked to work behind the scenes to make sure events were a success. 

Outside of work and volunteering, Ron enjoyed a few special hobbies. In his younger years he enjoyed playing baseball, racing, and working on cars with his father. Over the years, he enjoyed league bowling with family and friends and playing softball. In recent years he enjoyed going to garage sales with Shirley and traveling with family. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area was a special vacation spot. Recent favorite trips involved escaping the cold Minnesota winters for warmer weather in Florida, Hawaii, Texas, and Arizona. He would use his computer skills editing the many photos Shirley would take from their adventures. 

Ron will be remembered for his quiet strength, strong faith, calm demeanor, quick wit, and sense of humor. All of which were on display in the annual Christmas poem he wrote to friends and family. It took him months to craft and often was the last card/letter of the season for many. He was excellent at problem solving and known for giving logical advice. He was often quoted as saying, “Be humble and kind” and ended last year’s Christmas poem with “God’s plan should never be in doubt.”

Ron’s pride and joy was his family, especially his four grandchildren! He took great joy in all their activities and accomplishments. He was quick to tell you about his three Eagle Scout grandsons and his Silver (soon to be Gold as he would say) Girl Scout award granddaughter. He loved watching them in activities such as Soccer, Baseball, Robotics, Softball, Track, Swimming, and Band. He was their biggest supporter! 

Ronald is survived by his wife Shirley Zimmerman; children: Jenel (Brandon) Korkowski of North Branch, Minnesota and Ryan (Lisa) Zimmerman of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin; sisters: Sandra White and Mary Darrington; sister-in-law: Regina (Bill) Beckfield; brother-in-law: Robert Olson; grandchildren: Nathan (Kayla) and Garrett Korkowski, Nolan and Addison Zimmerman; many nieces and nephews, and other family and friends. 

Ronald is preceded in death by his parents: Alvin and Margaret Zimmerman; sisters: Beverly (Palmer) Watson, Jo Ann Olson, and Brenda Zimmerman; brother-in-law Joe Darrington; niece: Vicki Anderson; parents-in-law: Charles and Evelyn Senese.

The family wishes to thank the Eau Claire First Responders for their care and compassion during his final moments with us.

The Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at St. Odilia Catholic Church in Shoreview, Minnesota on Wednesday, November 20 at 11:00 am. Visitation will be held one hour preceding the funeral mass. 

In lieu of flowers, the family will be donating to his favorite charities in his honor.

The Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com