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Zimbelman of Oakes, ND, passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2014 at the Oakes Good Samaritan Society. He was 100 years old.
Elmer Peter was born October 7, 1913 on the family farm in York Township near Fullerton, North Dakota. He was the oldest of three sons born to Lee and Ida (Gemar) Zimbelman. He attended a one room country school near their home, and helped out on the family farm until he graduated. He was united in marriage to Irene Glaser on June 30, 1936 and together they had one child, Wayne Lee. Elmer and Irene lived with his parents for a short time before moving to Valley City, ND. He worked for the State Highway Department for about a year, and then returned to Oakes to farm, later purchasing the family farm. In 1964, they moved to Roseburg, Oregon to be closer to their son and family. He was employed at Munion’s Heating and Air along side his son, where he worked until his retirement. In 1979, Elmer and Irene returned to Oakes. Irene passed away November 29, 2001.
Elmer was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Oakes, where he was also confirmed and married. You would often see him helping out and fixing things around the building. He loved camping and working outside. He was a Mr. Fix-It-Man. He always had to be fixing something, and often lent a hand to those who needed help. He had a great sense of humor and loved telling stories. Elmer was truly a wonderfully kind, loving man, and he will be truly missed.
He is survived by three grandchildren, Lori Zimbelman, Kris Becking, Kevin Zimbelman; four great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and one sister-in-law, Lorraine Zimbelman. Elmer is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Irene, son Wayne, daughter-in-law Sheri, two grandsons, and two brothers.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2014 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. with the funeral to follow at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Oakes. Burial will be at the Oakes View Cemetery. On-line guestbook signing at www.dahlstromfuneralhome.com