Archived Services

John Paul Zimmer
01-31-2024

John Paul Zimmer, 61, of Hartford, South Dakota, died January 31, 2024.

John was born February 14, 1962 to Francis and Nadine (Wheeler) Zimmer at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. John grew up in Sioux Falls and graduated from Washington High school with the class of 1980.

John was the proud father of Jaron Zimmer and the grandfather to the joy of his life, Miles Zimmer. John loved fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family and lifelong friends. He looked forward to the annual Zimmer father/son fishing trips, summer vacations to Enemy Swim Lake, and his hunting and fishing excursions to Alaska, Colorado, and Florida.

John had a competitive edge and spent a lot of time playing cards, challenging others in bocce ball and participating in horseshoe tournaments.

For most of his career, John worked in construction. He established John’s Drywall in 2013 and loved working alongside his son. John loved being part of a large family and living in a small community. He spent several years on the Hartford Jamboree committee and played a major role in revitalizing the annual burn out show. John was always willing to help with community fundraisers by donating food and smoking ribs to raise money for local families in need.

Left to cherish his memory are his son: Jaron (Megan) Zimmer; grandson: Miles Zimmer; brothers: Joe (Kristi) Zimmer, Bob (Lori) Zimmer, and Paul (Teresa) Zimmer; sisters: Kathy (Dave) Lambertz, Mary (Chad) Titze, and Sara (Steve) Colford; brothers-in-law: Bob Solheim and Kevin Frankman; and numerous other loving family members and friends. John was preceded in death by his parents: Francis and Nadine (Wheeler) Zimmer; brothers: Franny Zimmer, Tom Zimmer and Jim Zimmer; sisters: Joyce Zimmer, Carol Solheim, and Brenda Frankman.

John’s celebration of life will be held at the Crooks Community Center (701 S West Ave, Crooks, SD) on Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Honorary Pallbearers are his lifelong friends: Dean Jasper, Mark Perreault and the late Buck Hanus; and brothers: Joe Zimmer, Bob Zimmer and Paul Zimmer.