Watch Donna's Funeral Mass

Donna Zimmerman, age 90, of Detroit Lakes, MN, formerly Mahnomen, MN, died on Thursday, July 16, 2020, at Ecumen-Emmanuel Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes.

Donna Darlene Hull was born on April 20, 1930, to Wilfred and Irene (Beaudin) Hull in Breckenridge, MN. Growing up, she was raised in the Kent and Wolverton areas in MN. She completed her high school years while living and working for her room and board in Breckenridge. In 1948, Donna graduated from Breckenridge High School, and after spending the summer with her parents, she moved to Fargo, ND, and began working at St. John's Hospital. She was always a hard worker and proud of her independence and work ethic. On February 16, 1950, Donna was united in marriage to Ralph Zimmerman at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen. The couple made their home on a farm near Wolverton, where Ralph farmed close to his father.  In 1962, Ralph and Donna moved to Mahnomen. They purchased a farm southwest of town and operated a dairy farm until 1971 when they sold the cattle but continued farming. In addition to being a loving wife and mother, Donna was always active on the farm and accompanied Ralph on his school bus route.  With the children grown, Donna began working at Agnew Photography as an assistant. Later working for Mahnomen County Veteran's Administration Office for close to ten years. In the fall of 1992, Donna was employed by the Shooting Star Casino in the gift shop until her retirement in October of 2006. Over the years, she and Ralph enjoyed attending the Knights of Columbus socials and going to dances.  Donna took pride in dressing up and always looked stunning with her matching accessories. Her hands were never idle.  She liked creating silk flower arrangements and going to card parties. Donna also loved traveling with Ralph and logged many miles throughout the U.S. and Canada enjoying the sites.  Ralph died in 2007, and Donna then moved to Detroit Lakes, where volunteering became her life. In 2013, she was recognized at the Minnesota State Fair as the Becker County Senior Citizen Volunteer of the year. While in Detroit Lakes, Donna became the "unofficial social director" of the Ecumen Community, leading exercise and Tai Chi classes, previewing movies for movie night, finding prizes for Bingo and keeping the greeting card supply stocked. She was on numerous advisory boards including Mahube Community Action Partnership.

She was actively involved with the Catholic Daughters and Ladies' Aide at St. Michael's Catholic Church.  She was a firm believer in Catholic education and was strong in her faith. Above all, Donna's greatest joy was her family and she cherished every moment spent with them.   Donna known by so many as "Granny" will be missed by all who knew her.

Donna will always be remembered as a loving and caring mother, grandmother, and sister by her children: Steve (Susan) of Apple Valley, MN, Deborah (Gary) Schoenborn of Detroit Lakes MN, David (Juanita) of Mahnomen, Chris (Patti) of Little Elm, TX; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren;  siblings, Eloise Kettner of Mahnomen, Terrence (Jon) Hull of Rice Lake, MN, and Sandra (James) Harms of Fargo, ND; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ralph; brother-in-law, Vincent Kettner; and a niece.

Blessed be the memory of Donna Zimmerman.