A celebration of life for Alice Mae Zimmerman, 55, will be from 3-6 p.m., Saturday, March 29, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Graettinger.
Alice Mae Zimmerman, daughter of Edward and Leona (Papstein) Tunink, was born in Armstrong, Iowa on March 30, 1968. She passed away at Avera Holy Family Hospital in Estherville at the age of 55 years.
Alice attended North Kossuth schools and graduated from Blue Earth High School. She then attended Spencer School of Business. While attending a Super Bowl Party she met Jim Zimmerman; the couple hit it off and were wed at the Dickinson County Courthouse on July 22, 1988. They lived throughout the Iowa Lakes Area, before settling in Estherville in the early 1990’s. Alice was employed at area hotels throughout the years, including Bridge’s Bay and The Inn. Alice and Jim opened their home to a daycare for over 20 years. She left a fond impression on over 250 children’s lives throughout her time as a provider. She didn’t just watch them, she taught them life skills.
They would learn to garden, cook, and create things. She was a caregiver by nature; once she stopped doing daycare she began working for Hope Haven.
Alice continued with her loving nature by helping to take care of her grandchildren. They will remember creating crafts, baking, and painting with her. Alice was a past member of the United Methodist Church in Estherville. While her sons were active in Cub Scouts, she served as the Den Treasurer. The family enjoyed taking vacations and camping together. If there was a parade in the area, one could find Alice there with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed attending concerts at the Lakes and dances at Fox Lake Ballroom. She loved watching fireworks following concerts with her family.
Alice is survived by her husband of 35 years Jim of Estherville, her children Chris (Emily) Zimmerman of Independence, Natasha (Brandon) Hampson of Graettinger, and Dalton Zimmerman of Independence; and grandchildren Natalie Zimmerman and Elli, Ana, Ryder, and Kari Hampson. She is also survived by her sisters Mary Tunink of Fairmont, Rose (Paul) Aguayo of Madera, CA, Helen (Tom) Reinsbach of Waseca, and Norma Olson of Fairmont.
Alice is preceded in death by her parents and her sister Connie Miller.