Daniel Peter Zimmerman, 67, of Winona, MN, passed away peacefully at Gundersen in La Crosse on Friday, November 1, 2024, following a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Dan was born June 23, 1957, in Winona, to Alfred and Dorothy (Golt) Zimmerman. Growing up in the East End, he attended Catholic school, before graduating in 1975 from Winona Senior High. He went on to attend Winona Vocational School, graduating in Auto Mechanics.
Over the years, Dan held many professions, everything from Winona Daily News, Brach Candy, driving truck, and everything in between. He worked for Speltz 66 for 16 years. He also worked for the Madison School district for many years, retiring as his illness progressed. Upon “retirement” he returned to Winona, where he enjoyed visiting his daughter, Corinne, and helping out wherever needed at Beno’s for as long as he could until his illness progressed further.
Dan is survived by his 4 children: Corinne (Chad) Loomis, Amanda (Travis) Sandberg, Danny Zimmerman, and Matthew Zimmerman; sister, Peg (Jeff) Gudmundson; niece, Jennifer (Brad) Hermsen; nephjews, Jeff “Buster” (Sandra) Gudmundson, Jeremy (Erica) Gudmundson, and Joe (Cassie) Gudmundson; the mothers of his children: Diane and Amy; and numerous cousins, and great nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and infant daughter, Sarah.
Dan moved into Sugar Loaf Senior Living, where he never missed playing cards, Bingo, and Happy Hour, sharing snacks, especially Pringles. He also had a pocket supplied with Andes mints for unsuspecting people. Dan also enjoyed spending time with his family, and scratching lottery tickets.
Dan was a man known by many names to all who knew and loved him, “Wise Man,” “Dan the Man” and “Danny.” He was loved and will be missed by his family, and two longtime friends, Pat Steffes and Bruce Mierau. He had a big heart, and always worried about others. He was so proud of his children and being able to provide for them. In the words of his friend, Pat, “Now he is living the good life!”
Special thanks to the wonderful nurses and doctors not only at Gundersen, but at Winona Health and a few favorites at Sugar Loaf Senior Living.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 2:00pm at Hoff Celebration of Life Center – Winona. Visitation will be Saturday from 12:30pm – 2:00pm at the funeral home prior to the service. Memorials are preferred to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
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