Gary A. Zimmerman

Gary A. Zimmerman, age 70, of Sparta passed away on May 16, 2025, at Emplify Health, by Gundersen in La Crosse, WI. Gary was born on December 23, 1954, to parents Janice and Donovan Zimmerman in La Crosse, WI. He grew up on French Island and graduated from Logan High School in 1973. Gary went on to achieve a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing.

Gary married Kay Clements and had three daughters, Melissa, Rebecca and Emily, divorced and married Susan which added Stephanie, Travis, TJ, and Tim to their family. Together they enjoyed many special celebrations and events to include sports, theater, music, birthdays, confirmations, graduations, weddings, births of grandchildren, baptisms, and overall joy of family. Many good friends and family will attest that Gary was a passionate Packer, Brewer and Badger fan. He loved to watch “his games” as if they were playing just for him, (but not necessarily listening). He loved fishing, and being with his family and friends at Chetek, (so many fish stories).  A special family event was a competitive softball game at the Aerie in Northern MN, “Peas and Carrots” where the gals were playing against the guys. “The Peas won”.  He also loved playing “Crazy Eights” for hours with his grandchildren and friends. An unfortunate illness confined Gary to a wheelchair for the past five years, but this did not change his love of faith, family, and friends. His attitude, positivity, and genuine joy brought a brightness to us all. 

Gary was a community person.  Involved with Butterfest, Trinity Lutheran Church, area theater groups, and a mentor to family and also students in high school sound and lighting techniques. He was proud to have been selected as Butterfest-Fest master in 2013, which aligned with his commitment to community and the mission to serve. Gary was also very proud of his career with Magnum Radio Group.  It brought him joy to help clients achieve their strategic goals through marketing and tried to be present at every event or sponsorship. His love and friendship with his co-workers at Magnum will always be remembered and appreciated.

Gary is survived by his wife Susan Zimmerman, sister Sharon Kay Zimmerman, daughters Melissa (Kyle) Guralski, Rebecca (Samuel) Brown, Emily Zimmerman, Stephanie (Jed) Simon, sons Travis Smith, TJ, (Nicole) Smith and Tim (Ka Lia) Smith. Grandchildren, Tyler (Jessica) Timm, Winston, Jackson, Alison, and Franklin Brown, Stella and Chaz Simon, Gabriel and Isaac Smith, Jensen Smith, great granddaughter Presley June Timm, brother and sister-in-law Faith and Patrick Dickey, and many aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Gary was preceded in death by his parents Donovan and Janice Zimmerman, grandparents Mabel and Warner Zimmerman and Ben and Ruth Magnusson.

The families of Gary Zimmerman wish to especially thank the care teams at Rolling Hills Rehabilitation and to Emplify Health by Gundersen clinics and hospital staff for the excellent care and personal touch they have provided for Gary over the years.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Sparta, with Reverend Josh Buzbee officiating. Burial will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 in Oak Grove Cemetery, La Crosse.

Family and friends are invited for visitation from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, and from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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