Dennis W. Zimmerman, 85, of Fox Lake passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg.
Dennis was born on March 7, 1941 on his family’s farm in Burnett to Reinhold and Elsie (Hartwig) Zimmerman. He was a graduate of Fox Lake High School. He was married to Arlene Ruhland on July 2, 1966 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fox Lake. Dennis was proud to be a lifelong dairy farmer and shepherd.
Dennis was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fox Lake. He enjoyed playing board games and Carrom as well as listening to polka music and watching movies. Dennis enjoyed gardening and in his later years searching for recipes and cooking. He was a “jack of all trades” who could design and build anything. He was proud to be able to teach his grandchildren the skill of ropemaking on his homemade ropemaking machine. Most importantly, Dennis had a deep love for his Lord and Savior Jesus and his family.
Dennis is survived by his wife Arlene of Fox Lake; his children: Daniel (Renee) Zimmerman of Fox Lake, Kathy (Greg) Holtz of Lowell, and Timothy (Sara) Zimmerman of Fox Lake; grandchildren: Amber (Collin) Keel, Tyler Zimmerman, Colin Zimmerman, Brady Zimmerman, Julia Holtz, Ava Holtz, and Ashley Frank; two great grandchildren: Jackson and Levi; his brother Duane (Dorothy) Zimmerman of Beaver Dam; his sister LuAnn (Fredrick) Degner of Watertown; sisters-in-law: Agnes Zimmerman and Corinne Heilmeier; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Wilbert (Elaine), Elsmer (Eileen), Reinhold Jr., and Roy (Nordean); his sister Iris (John) Pantazon; and a twin brother in infancy; and brother-in-law Ron Heilmeier.
A visitation and brunch will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fox Lake on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 from 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. Rev. Bryan Prell will officiate. Interment will take place at Riverside Memorial Park in Fox Lake.
Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family.
