Duane "Zim" Zimmerman, 80, Minot formerly of Antler, passed away surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday December 27th 2016, in his home.

He was born Duane Willard Zimmerman on January 10th 1936 at the family home in Mohall, ND to parents Willard and Esther (Marquardt) Zimmerman. From an early age his strong work ethic showed through with his first job sitting on his dad's lap driving tractor and delivering milk for their family creamery in Mohall.

He attended Mohall Public School and graduated in 1955. He will forever and always will be a Yellowjacket. He was a gifted athlete that excelled in all sports. He was a star for the Yellowjackets on the gridiron and baseball field but shined the brightest on the hardwood. He played competitive basketball into his fifties in the amateur league in Mohall. He also played softball locally for many years and continued to play competitively in Arizona as one of the best pitchers around until last winter. He also loved to watch sports, especially football and his Minnesota Vikings.

Shortly after graduation he married his high school sweetheart Phyllis Marie Feland on November 3rd 1956 at Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church near Antler, ND. His work history is long and varied. He began as a lineman for the telephone company and worked in the oil fields. He was drafted into the Army and served proudly until his Honorable Discharge.

These were just fillers for his real passion - farming. Along with various small grains he also raised beef and dairy cattle throughout the years. In the mid 1970's he and Gabe Feland purchased a semi-truck and Little Deep Trucking was born.

All through this time he and Phyllis started and grew a wonderful family. Duane's beloved daughter Joni was first whom he always called 'Sis'. Next came his oldest son Jay who he shared a love of turning wrenches. Finally his youngest son Jesse joined their merry band on the family farm near Antler. He loved his children but his heart was stolen by his four beautiful grandchildren. He always had a golf cart, horse, motorcycle, tractor, or snowmobile to ride for them. He was quick to tell them a tall tale from his past or he would jump out from around the corner to give them a jump. Their laughter fueled his soul.

Duane retired from farming in 1999 but continued driving truck for Souris River Grain Cooperative and worked in farming for Bob Artz. After officially "retiring" he took a job delivering parts for Farden Construction. He loved his job and looked forward to bringing popcorn to his special Farden girls.

When he wasn't working Duane and his wonderful wife wintered in Arizona. Starting in 1996 the two of them took their motorhome down south and soaked in the warm weather. In 1999 they found their favorite spot in Casa Grande, AZ at Palm Creek Resort. He relished his time down in Palm Creek lamenting that it was just like going to Summer camp. He made forever friends visiting and playing softball as much as he could.

The other defining aspect to Duane was his life long relationship with the Lord. He was a devote man who carried the love of Jesus deep in in his heart and shared that love every chance he could get. Duane had a zest for life that was unrivaled. He loved, laughed and lived like one should. He was the model for what a man and patriarch should be. He will be loved, never forgotten, and his legacy will live on through his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife Phyllis of Minot; daughter, Joni (Mike) Cruff, Minot; sons, Jay (Karen) Zimmerman, Minot and Jesse Zimmerman, Bismarck, ND; grandchildren, Kendra Cruff and Cole, Kate and Matt Zimmerman; sister, Betty (Jerry) Nelson, Casa Grande, AZ; brothers-in-law Gale (Donna) Feland, Bottineau, ND and Chuck Greathouse, Columbus, OH along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his Father Willard, Mother Esther, Father and Mother-in-law Philip and Marie Feland, his niece Sheryl Verhulst.

A viewing will be held at the Thomas Family Funeral Home on Sunday January 1st 2017 1:00 to 4:00pm with the family service to follow. Services will be held at Our Redeemers Church in Minot on Monday January 2nd 2017 at 2:00pm.