Alice “Minerva” Zimmerman, 89, of Dickinson, went home to be with Jesus on Friday, October 2, 2020 at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson. Minerva’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 a.m., Friday, October 9, 2020 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Richardton with Fr. Boniface Muggli, OSB as celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service. There will be a private family vigil.
She was born on September 19, 1931 to Oskal and Mathilda (Olson) Forland in Watford City. Minerva received her education in Watford City and after graduation she continued her education at Dickinson State Teachers College. It was at Dickinson State that she became smitten with Fabian George Zimmerman. They were married on September 16, 1950. Minerva and Fabian made their home outside of Taylor on “the farm” in a home that Fabian built. This was where their six children were raised.
Minerva was an integral part of both the communities of Taylor and Richardton. She was involved in Christian Mothers, Catholic Daughters, Sons of Norway and was a member of St. Mary Church Choir.
Tradition and her Norwegian heritage were extremely important to her. Minerva taught and shared with her children and grandchildren the art of making lefse, fudge, caramels, orange rolls, and Easter Bread. On Christmas Eve, Minerva’s gift to each family was an apricot tea ring to be shared on Christmas morning. Mealtime around the table was important, as was celebrating birthdays together.
Minerva’s selfless love and devotion to her family was evident. Spending time together, sharing stories, singing songs, reading, playing games, such as Rummy, Whist, Kings in the Corner, and making play dough are some of the fond memories of her children and grandchildren.
Minerva radiated the light of Jesus in her daily life, always having a servant’s heart and putting others first. Her compassion and love for people led her to a calling for caring for others, doing service work in the hospital and later in the area of Home Health. She always made relationships a priority; whether it was her beloved circle of friends getting together to study the Bible, lending a listening ear, or offering a helping hand no matter the circumstance. Fabian “lovingly joked” that the telephone was permanently attached to her ear as she was a trusted confidant, who genuinely loved, cared, and prayed for people.
Minerva’s faith in Jesus and daily walk was evident to all. She instilled in her family core values, endless life lessons, and always instructed her children to “never let the sun go down on your anger.” She truly had a tremendous impact on each life she touched. We were all so blessed to call her mom, grandma and friend. Through fervent prayer and discipleship, she fulfilled the Great Commission, as she was instrumental in leading people to a life in Christ as Christ himself instructed us to do. We are certain that the Lord Jesus gave her a warm welcome home with a “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Minerva is survived by her children Steve (Kathy) Zimmerman of Dickinson; Mary Ryan of Scottsdale, Ariz.; Mike (Mary) Zimmerman of Minot; Lori (Jack) Elmer of Hebron; Leah (Todd) Miller of Dickinson; and Crystal (Curt) Anderson of Seminole, Fla.; as well as 17 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. Minerva was preceded in death by her husband, Fabian; parents; eight siblings; grandson, Christopher Lembke; and great-granddaughter Ridley Geinert.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to: The GOD’S CHILD PROJECT, P.O. Box 1843, Bismarck, ND 58502-1843 www.godschild.org
