Ralph E. Zimmerman, 77, Mahnomen, MN, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, in the St. Mary's Regional Health Center, Detroit Lakes, MN.

Ralph was born October 29, 1929, on a farm near Abercrombie, ND, the son of Cecil and Frances (Tuna) Zimmerman. At the age of five, he moved with his family to a farm near Kent, MN. He was raised there and attended school in Breckenridge, MN. As a young man, Ralph farmed with his father. On February 16, 1950, he was united in marriage to Donna Hull in Mahnomen, MN. They made their home in the Wolverton, MN, area where they farmed. In 1962, they moved to the Mahnomen community where they purchased a farm southwest of town. They operated it as a dairy farm until 1971, when they sold the cattle but continued to farm the land. Ralph and Donna continued to make their home on the farm, with Ralph farming up until the last few years. Ralph was very proud of all his children. Some of his fondest memories were when his children were young and watching them grow into successful adults with their own families. Ralph began driving school bus for the Mahnomen school system in the early 1970's, and continued to drive for the next 33 years. Driving bus over those years, he was also able to observe many young kindergarteners develop into productive young adults. He appreciated watching generations of youngsters grow. When Ralph was younger, he was an avid baseball player and a fan of all other sports. He loved music, hunting and fishing throughout his life. He also served on the township board while living in Kent. Ralph was a strong supporter of St. Michael's Catholic School and an active member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, serving on the church board, finance council and currently serving on the cemetery board.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 57 years, Donna, Mahnomen; one daughter, Deborah (Gary) Schoenborn, Detroit Lakes, MN; three sons: Steve (Susan) Apple Valley, MN, David (Juanita), Mahnomen, and Chris (Patti), St. Cloud, MN; 11 grandchildren; two great grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Terry (Jon) Hull, Rice, MN; two sisters-in-law, Eloise Kettner, Mahnomen, and Sandy (James) Harm, Fargo, ND; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father.

Blessed be the memory of Ralph Zimmerman.