Curtis Carl Zimmerman

Curtis Zimmerman passed away Saturday February 28, 2026. He was 86 years old.

Curt was born on March 24, 1939, in Bottineau, North Dakota to Carl and Doris (Brandt) Zimmerman. He was the youngest of two sons. They were raised on a small dairy farm in Willow City. In their high school years the brothers were talented basketball players. They were both part of the team that won the state championship in March of 1956.

Curt married his high school sweetheart Charlotte Schmidt in November of 1963. They moved to Brainerd, Minnesota in 1967. They had four children, Bonnie, Shelly, Wayne and Tanya.

He served in the Army and spent time stationed in Germany and was also a National Guard member. He worked as a heavy equipment operator and was a proud member of the International Operating Engineers Union Local #49. Construction season sent him traveling to job sites with travel trailer in tow. Weekends and off season you could find him on the local lakes fishing, in the woods hunting or digging in the garden.

Curt is survived by his wife of 62 years Charlotte, son Wayne (Jeanne), and daughters Shelly and Tanya (Bill Hanson), 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Gary, daughter Bonnie and grandson Nick.

A private family gathering and burial will be held in North Dakota.