Gerdes Regina Zimmerman “Gerri”, age 84 of Delano, passed away surrounded by her family on Saturday, October 15th, 2022. She was born on February 13, 1938, in Holmes City Township to Joseph and Myrtle (Omland) Hoium. She married Lyle Zimmerman and moved to Delano and raised four children. Although the farm life was hard work, she loved it there.

Gerri was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved to cook and bake and take care of her grandkids. She was her grandchildren’s’ biggest fan. She attended as many activities and sporting events as she could. Some favorite meals she made were her famous oatmeal, turkey steak, ham scalloped potatoes, strawberry shortcake, ham spread, homemade bread and many other specific meals that were favorites of her grandchildren.
She loved the outdoors, the farm, and the quiet solitude of being outdoors. She developed a passion for raising the various farm animals and pets throughout her life, with a particular love for eagles. Gerri was passionate for the Minnesota Vikings and Twins. She loved playing 500 and Euchre with friends and family. She also loved back massages and reading about the pioneer times. Gerri loved all kinds of music. Amazing Grace was her favorite hymn. She had a strong sense of faith and saw the gift of life as a miracle of God.

Gerri made her career as a nurse and that caring way continued in her care for others throughout her life. Gerri retired at the age of 74 from the nursing home in Delano, but continued to babysit her grandchildren for many years. She spent many hours volunteering. She loved her community where she lived and also enjoyed meeting friends for coffee every morning for many years. She had a strong will and was able to persevere through difficult times in her life and instilled this in her family to be able to overcome adversity in their own lives.

Gerri was preceded in death by her son Gary Zimmerman; Lyle Zimmerman; son-in-law Perry Leaf; parents Joseph and Myrtle Hoium; sibling Delores (Harold) Strommen.

Survived by her children Greg (JoAnne) Zimmerman, Paula Leaf (Bobby Jopp), Angela (Chris) Henry; 13 grandchildren Michelle Matoska, Kari Zimmerman, Kendra (Chad) Bowe, Aaron (Ashley) Zimmerman, Daniel (Ali) Zimmerman, Raya (Nate Brennan) Zimmerman, Acsia (Josh) Naessen, Kayla Blackwell, Rayanna (Jon) Blackwell, Meagan Henry, Jack Henry, Madi Henry, Colton Henry; 14 great-grandchildren; brother Melvin “Sunny” (Helen) Hoium.

A memorial service was held at 11 AM on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Delano, Minnesota. Gathering of family and friends wwas held from 10-11 AM prior to the service in the church. Private family Inurnment will take place later in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Spring Valley Township, Wisconsin.