Avis Eleanor Zimmerman

Avis Eleanor (Moen) Zimmerman, 91, of Fergus Falls, left this earth to be with her loved ones in heaven on Wednesday, September 5, 2018, at the Broen Memorial Home, Fergus Falls.

Avis was born February 13, 1927, to John H. and Clara (Hovland) Moen on the family farm in Trondhjem Township, rural Rothsay. She was baptized and confirmed at Friborg Lutheran Church of rural Rothsay. She attended grade school at District 89 between Rothsay and Erhard. She graduated from Pelican Rapids High School in 1945. She then attended Normal Teachers Training School in Fergus Falls and after graduation taught for three years at a rural school in Dane Prairie Township.

On February 19, 1949, she married Wilfred Burton “Buddy” Zimmerman in Sisseton, SD. Together they raised six children on their farm in Oscar Township. She worked by his side and their children, doing chores and managing a large garden.

Avis and Buddy moved to Long Lake near Erhard in 1980. They enjoyed many winters in Yuma, AZ. Hobbies included riding in the desert, dancing, playing cards, painting, potlucks, making more than 700 quilts with other friends which were donated to the needy, and helped build Victory Lutheran Church.

Avis enjoyed spending time with her family. Grandchildren have special memories of grandma’s homemade donuts, bread dumplings, lefse and fishing with her at the lake home. She loved watching the Twins baseball games and going to car races. She traveled to Hawaii, Europe, South Africa and Asia to visit family. She was a member of Friborg and New Life Lutheran Churches. She enjoyed quilting at the Fergus Falls Senior Center.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Wilfred; son, Craig; parents, John and Clara Moen; sisters, Irene Ronningen, Ilene Lien, Evelyn Lamm, Delia Johnson and Charlotte Moen; brothers-in-law, Elmer Ronningen, Lloyd Lien, Robert Lamm, Lyle Johnson and James Drechsel; sister-in-law, Marie Moen.

She will be missed by her children, Marie (Butch) Ritten, Caren (Alan) Baumfalk, and Daryl (Deb) Zimmerman, all of Sturgis, SD, Thomas Zimmerman and Dave (Wanda) Zimmerman of Elizabeth; daughter-in-law, Peggy Zimmerman of Rothsay; 12 grandchildren, Paul and John (Chian) Ritten, Will Baumfalk, Adam Wayne, Curt (Mandy) Zimmerman, Kyle (Stephanie) Zimmerman, Scott (Lisa) Zimmerman, Sarah and Brian Zimmerman, Darin (Leah) Zimmerman, Lauren (Dillon Cole) Zimmerman, and Matt Zimmerman; seven great-grandchildren, Krista and Chelsea Zimmerman, Peyton and Kacyn Hannaman, Ember and Talon Ritten, Hollie Zimmerman and another precious great-grandchild Zimmerman expected next spring; siblings, Gerry Drechsel, Judy (Ken) Toso, Ardell Moen and Donald Moen, along with many nieces, nephews and “adopted” family members.

Visitation: one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 8, 2018 at New Life Parish, Rothsay
Clergy: Rev. Randy Whitehead
Interment: North Friborg Cemetery, rural Rothsay
Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls is in charge of arrangements
online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com