Obituary of Ken Zimmer

Kenneth William Zimmer died peacefully on August 15, 2024, at the age of 88, at the Daysland Health Centre with his wife and family by his side.

Ken was born on March 26, 1936, to George and Trace (Wolbeck) Zimmer.  He was the second oldest child of 10.  Ken grew up on the family farm which is still there 4 miles north of Heisler. 

On July 21, 1958, he married the love of his life, Betty Niehaus and together they raised 5 children.  They lived on a couple of farms before settling on the Niehaus homestead, 5 ½ miles northeast of Heisler.  The family was raised on a mixed grain farm with range and feeder cattle, dairy cows, chickens, turkeys and pigs.  Ken and Betty moved into their new home in Daysland in 2004 and then into Daysland Providence Place in 2022.  Ken enjoyed playing cards, baseball and hockey.  He played on many teams and made many friends.

Papa loved having his grandchildren and great grandchildren around.  He loved teaching them how to play crib, play catch and taking them for a ride on the quad or tractor. They too loved being around Papa, many fun times were had.  Papa was even able to meet his latest 2 great grandsons: Nathan (1 month old) and Dawson (1 week old).

Ken served on the Sterling R.E.A. Board, St. Peter’s Historical Society, Flagstaff Service Board and Heisler Ag. Society.  He was also involved in 4-H with his kids and was a Heisler Elk member and KC member for many years.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 66 years, Betty, his children: Rhonda Shott (Bill Dewar), Richard (Donna) Zimmer, Susan (Ed) McLean, Roseann (Brad) McNabb and Lyle (Annette) Zimmer. His 12 grandchildren: Kristy Shott (Jamie Johnston), Amanda (Matt) Austin, Melanie (Ryan) Block, Evan Zimmer, Shane McLean, Derek (Kellee) McLean, Riley McLean, Steven (Kerri) McNabb, Stephanie McNabb (Harrison Church), Adam McNabb, Parker Zimmer and Joely Zimmer.  His 8 great grandchildren: Bently Shott, Jaxon and Ella Austin, Emily Block, Grant and Nathan McNabb, Kade and Dawson Church.

His brothers: Gordon Zimmer, Garry (Marvis) Zimmer and Robert (Pat) Zimmer.  His sisters:  Sharon (Terry) Adams and Theresa (Allan) McTavish.  His brothers-in-law:  Owen (Marilyn) Niehaus, Roger (Dyann) Niehaus. His sisters-in-law: Nellie Zimmer, Carol Zimmer, Janet Zimmer and Pat Niehaus. His godchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Ken was predeceased by his parents: George and Trace Zimmer, parents-in-law Leonard and Emma/Florence Niehaus, son-in-law Victor Shott, sister Eileen Heck, sister-in-law Donna Zimmer, brothers: Lorne, Jack and Donald Zimmer and brothers-in-law Robert, Clifford and Frank Niehaus and Ross Heck.

Memorial donations in memory of Ken may be made to St. Peter's Historical Site Maintenance Society or a charity of the donor's choice.

A prayer service will be held at Our Lady of the Prairies Church on Tuesday, August 20th at 8:15 pm.  A funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 21st at Our Lady of the Prairies Church at 11:00 am.