Dean Zimmerman

Dean Zimmerman

July 14, 1947 - February 06, 2024

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Obituary

ELKHART LAKE/ STEVENS POINT – Dean Peter Paul Zimmerman, age 76, passed away after heart surgery on Tuesday, February 6, 2024. Dean was born on July 14, 1947, in Wisconsin Rapids, WI to Henry and Joan (Sturgis) Zimmerman. He grew up in Amherst and Stevens Point and graduated from UW Stevens Point. Dean taught in the Wisconsin Rapids and Plymouth school districts. Some of his proudest moments were in creating a diversity club, in Plymouth, where hundreds of students attended yearly conferences; coaching debate in middle and high school, including his two children; and leading the Teacher’s Union in the Wisconsin Rapids School District during the strikes of the 1970s. One of his true loves was hiking in Glacier National Park, his second home. Dean will be greatly missed.

Dean is survived by his daughter, Susan and son, Chris (Kelly). He is further survived by his grandchildren, Evelyn Charlotte and Henry William; siblings, Rose Ford and Henry “Rusty” (Sue); and sister-in-law, Karen. He is further survived by other beloved family and friends. Dean is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Greg, Robert, and Pat; and the mother of his children, Barb.

A private memorial will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The National Park Foundation. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Service

2418 N. Sherman Avenue

608-249-8257

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Dean
D
DDSD
Other •
Chris, the entire Delavan-Darien School District is thinking of you and your family. We love and appreciate everything that you and your family represent.
CP
Courtney Pheifer
Other •
Mr. Z. was a guiding force in my young life. I was one of the founding members of Mr. Z.'s diversity group. Together we held conferences, taught classes, protested racism, and traveled to the National Diversity Conference in Boston. Even though I moved away and started a family, I still thought of Mr. Z. and our adventures often. I hope I taught my children some of the invaluable things Mr. Z. taught me. In that way, all of the hard work Mr. Z. Fought hard for will live on in so many. I know he thought of Glacier as his second home, and am happy to donate in his name. Thank you for sharing your dad with me and so many. With sympathy, Courtney (Seboe) Pheifer
SL
Scott & Nancy Lawrence
Other •
Dean was a great neighbor & friend these past couple of decades. We already miss him greatly. Scott & Nancy Lawrence Elkhart Lake
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Gary
Other •
One of the most interesting teachers at West Junior High, he made learning fun.
JJ
Jeff Jacobson
Other •
Dean was very fun to work with at Plymouth High School. His work with the diversity club planted seeds for a group that continues to this day. Thanks, Dean.

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