Darlene Delores (Meidinger) Zimmer, age 80, of Carrington, ND, peacefully went home to be with the Lord, and to be reunited with the love of her life, Ervin, on Monday, October 7, 2019, at St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck, ND, while her son Kelvin was holding her hand.

Darlene was born October 10, 1938, in Gackle, ND, to Theodore (Ted) and Marie (Dorr) Meidinger. Darlene arrived a little too early, so her mother put her in a box next to the stove to keep her warm, so she could “finish cooking.”

On February 23, 1958, Darlene married the love of her life, Ervin Zimmer, in Gackle, ND. Mom says “I loved him from the first time I saw him” at the age of 13. They were playing anti-I-over. She so wanted to be on his team, and he pretended that he really didn’t care. Later he admitted that he was smitten by her and wanted her on his team. This was the beginning of a great team that was blessed with three sons, Kevin, Kelvin, and Monty. She was committed to her family right to her last breath.

Darlene had a passion for caring for others, working at the Jamestown Hospital, Carrington Hospital, and Golden Acres Manor as a nurse’s aide. She had a special place in her heart for those that shared their compassion, dedication, and skills when caring for others. In her last three weeks of life, she was thrilled that she was a patient of several nursing students, getting to contribute to their learning. She was an active member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Carrington and although she was housebound the last couple of years, she stayed involved in the church by sending out Birthday and Anniversary cards to church members. Another great passion for Darlene was word puzzles, when you walked into the house she always had one on her lap. However, being a Mom was her greatest passion; her endless love is felt today and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her sons, Kevin (Terri) Zimmer, Kelvin (Bonny) Zimmer, all of Bismarck, ND, Monty (Stacy) Zimmer, Oakes, ND; grandsons, Parker Zimmer, Brye Zimmer, Craig Zimmer and Jonathan Zimmer; her sister, Marlys Klundt, Steele, ND; brother and sister-in-law, Don (Judy) Meidinger, Bismarck, ND; sister-in-law, Bernie Zimmer, Mesa, AZ; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and special friends, Arlene Schroeder and Debbie Wiesenburger.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Ervin (Erv); her parents, Ted and Marie Meidinger; brothers-in-law, Kenneth Klundt, Marvin Zimmer, and Melvin Zimmer; and sister-in-law, Carole Zimmer.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND or Calvary Baptist Church, Carrington, ND.

 

Visitation will be Sunday, Noon-7:00PM followed by a Prayer Service at 7:00PM  all at Evans Funeral Home, Carrington.

Funeral Service will be held Monday, October 14, 2019, 10:00AM at Calvary Baptist Church, Carrington.

Burial will be Monday at 3:00PM at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, rural Mandan, ND.