Alvin William Zimmermann

Alvin "Al" William Zimmermann was born on October 2nd, 1939, in Springfield, Minnesota to Rudolf and Marie Zimmermann. He passed away peacefully on April 4, 2024, with his devoted wife, Marie, at his side.

Al had a wide array of interests and hobbies, and they were often reflected in the many careers he had over his lifetime. Growing up in Waverly, Iowa he was found all over town doing an array of odd jobs like newspaper carrier, carhop, and pin setter at the local bowling alley. He spent time in the Army as a photographer in Hawaii. He graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1966 and earned his masters from the University of Iowa in 1971. Al discovered one of his biggest passions was learning and educating others. This is reflected by his chosen professions, first as a history, economics and photography teacher in Iowa City, Iowa, then as the AEA Media Director in Sioux City, Iowa and ESD 12 Media Director in Bremerton, Washington. He then ventured into an educational sales position for several companies including National Geographic.

To his daughters and granddaughters, he was the human jungle gym, master storyteller, on-call landscaper and tree planter, miniature train conductor, World's best goulash maker, billiards master, adventure enabler, and life-lesson imparter. He'd be the first to tell you, though, that his most important roles were that of a loving husband, father, and 'Papa'.

While he will be deeply missed, his memory will be carried on by his wife of 41 years: Marie Johnson Zimmermann of Olympia, Washington. His daughters: Allison Brekke (Brad) of Goldfield, Iowa, and Amy Zimmermann of Coon Rapids, Minnesota. His granddaughters: Ashlee Brekke of Goldfield, Iowa, Andee Brekke of Des Moines, Iowa, and Ava Zimmermann of Coon Rapids, Minnesota. His sisters: Lois Scharnhorst of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, and Eileen Nissen (Keith) of Backus, Minnesota, and many nieces and nephews.