DuWayne Edward Zimmerman was born August 26, 1937, on the family farm at Dennison, Minnesota, to William and Julia (Sandvik) Zimmerman. He attended school in Dennison and Northfield and was confirmed at the Northfield Moravin Church. After his education he worked as a farmhand for area farmers. He married Viola Sprute on June 1, 1957, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Farmington. After marriage they lived in various area communities and DuWayne farmed with Richard Koester for 20 years. In 1979, he began working as a custodian at St. Olaf College, and in 1982, DuWayne and Viola bought their home in Dennison. He retired from St. Olaf in 1999 and spent his time tinkering with tractors, cars and lawn mowers.

DuWayne was strong, independent and a hard worker. He enjoyed working on and fixing things. He loved his family as was always concerned about their well being. He will be missed.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Viola; 3 children: Robby and wife Angela of Kenyon, Connie and husband Jerry Paul of Blooming Prairie, William "Bill" of Farmington; 5 grandsons: Andrew (Nicole), Brian (Sara), Tyler, Kevin, Blake; his sister, Doris Ellingboe of Northfield; his brother, Gary (Diane) Zimmerman of Waterford; nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Matthew Christensen; his parents; his sisters: Margaret Baldwin, Marcella "Sally" Ersfield; and his brothers: Lavern and Delmar.

DuWayne passed away, following a brief illness, on Saturday morning, February 27, 2010, at the Hennepin County Medical Center, at the age of 72.

Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 3, 2010, at the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home in Northfield with Rev. Terje Hausken officiating. Interment will be in Prairie Creek Cemetery. Casket bearers will be Brian Christensen, John Ersfield, Jerry Paul, Dale Schuette, Andy Zimmerman and Scott Zimmerman. Visitation will be 4-7PM Tuesday, March 2, 2010, at the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home. Visitation will continue on Wednesday one hour prior to the funeral.

Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home.