Lois Zimmer

Lois Darlene Zimmer was born on December 14, 1926, to Paul and Josephine (Lamp) Carpenter at their homestead in Ward, South Dakota. The day was a brisk, snowy winter day. Paul took a horse drawn sleigh through the snow to get the doctor and bring him back to the homestead to assist Josephine during Lois’ birth. From a very young age, Lois accepted the Lord into her heart. She was baptized and confirmed in Pipestone, Minnesota and her love for her Lord was a pillar of strength for her throughout the rest of her life.

On April 13, 1950, Lois was united in marriage to Russell Zimmer. This marriage was blessed with four children and 51 years together before Russell passed away in 2001. Together, Lois and Russell built a life that they cherished and instilled a strong work ethic in their children. Through their faith, Lois and Russell taught their children how to use gratitude to navigate through times of grief. Lois spent countless hours supporting her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sporting events, music concerts, plays and recitals. She could always be counted on to show up with a smile on her face. 

Lois was a devout Catholic her entire life. She was a lifetime member of the St. Genevieve Catholic Church in Lake Benton, Minnesota. She was very active in the CCW (Council of Catholic Women), the Lions Club, Red Hat Society, Community Chest, Senior Dining and was Citizen of the Year once in Lake Benton. When Lois wasn’t working hands-on in the community, she enjoyed a good game of bridge – as she was a sharp player! She also enjoyed participating on a local bowling league. Lois was a faithful Minnesota pro-sports fan. Lois and Russell attended the Twins’ first home game in franchise history on April 21, 1961 at the Metropolitan Stadium. Many trips were made to Fort Myers, Florida to attend spring training games with her family. The memory of Lois’ love for baking will remain in the hearts of those she touched. She expressed her love for others through her baking and cooking. Many peanut buster parfaits will be eaten in honor of Lois’ love for them. Lois passed away on Monday, December 16, 2024 at the Cura Care Center in Monticello, Minnesota at the age of 98 years and two days. 

Lois is lovingly remembered by her children, Paula (Tim) Boesch of Otsego, Minnesota and Kirk (Trish) Zimmer of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; her siblings, Ardith Larsen of Lake Benton, Minnesota, Conrad (Connie) Carpenter of College Station, Texas, Daniel (Judy) Carpenter of Le Mars, Iowa; eight grandchildren, Stephanie Jeffrey, Matt Zimmer, Spencer Gould, Mitchell Zimmer, Taylor Gould, Benjamin Reit, Tessa Olivier and Katie Beitelspacher; and 14 great-grandchildren, Carter, Savannah, Bella, Jamison, Ella, Harper, Parker, Nora, Arthur, Micah, Levi, Lauren, Brayden and Oaklynn. Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Zimmer; parents, Paul and Josephine Carpenter; two children, James Zimmer and Gregory Zimmer; five siblings, Verlon Carpenter, Pearl Bauman, Bill Carpenter, Paul Carpenter and Alvin Carpenter; and in-laws, Victor (Emily) Zimmer.