Ron Zimmerman Obituary (1944 - 2020)

Ronald "Ron" Lee Zimmerman, 75, Bismarck, North Dakota, passed away Saturday, January 4, 2020. A gathering of family and friends will be from 5-7:00 PM, Thursday, January 9, 2020, at DaWise-Perry Funeral Services, Mandan, North Dakota. As per his wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family graveside service will be held in Taylor Cemetery, Taylor, North Dakota. Ron was born July 31, 1944, at Richardton, North Dakota, to Frank and Mildred (Beagle) Zimmerman. He grew up on a farm near Taylor and spent his summer breaks there gardening and growing many beautiful flowers. Ron, a Dickinson State College graduate, had a passion for music. Known as "Mr. Z" to his students, he taught in New Salem, Lamoure, Wibaux, Moosejaw, Taylor and Richardton. He was well known for his expertise in producing and directing a multitude of musical productions in school as well as numerous additional productions. He always brought out the best in his students. In 1972, Ron started the Lamoure County Summer Musical Theater which continues to be a tradition in that area. He produced and directed numerous Taylor Horse Fest Musical productions and New England Christmas musicals. He is survived by three sisters, Lucille Geiger, Mary Bertsch, and Nancy Schmidt, all of Bismarck; two brothers, Roger (Joan) Zimmerman, Taylor, and Kent Mischel, Bryan, Texas, brother-in-law, Maynard Lantz, Bismarck, numerous nieces, nephews, and special friends. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters: Kathleen Lantz and Dolores Mischel.