Edward Austin Zimmerman

Edward Austin Zimmerman, age 80, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 3rd, 2024, at the Veterans Home in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Edward (Ed) was born on August 4, 1943, to Austin and Elizabeth Zimmerman in Wilmington, Delaware. Growing up with his brother, Jeff, in Barrington Hills, Illinois; Ed's kindness and never-ending curiosity was evident at an early age. His parents appreciated his mischievous nature and bestowed him the nickname "Puck" from A Midsummer Night's Dream. This was an early indication of Ed's love of the spotlight. Ed loved talking to everyone, meeting new friends, and had a gift for remembering names of everybody - even if it was someone he met just once, years ago. These talents came in handy when he attended Amherst College in Massachusetts to pursue his undergraduate degree in American Studies. While at Amherst, Ed played some football, participated in glee club, and starred in plays: The Wizard of Oz (Cowardly Lion), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (J.Pierrepont Finch), Pirates of Penzance (Major General). He also entertained everyone with his larger than life stories. Following in the footsteps of generations of Zimmermans, Ed earned a law degree at Northwestern University in Chicago. He also was a coach for Mock Trial, his team participated in nationals in New York City and won second place. Ed met Beverly (Bev) Jeane Tyler, the love of his life, on a blind date. He took one look at her and was smitten. We are glad that Bev was equally smitten and did not hold it against Ed when he took her canoeing on their first official date. June 15, 1968, was a momentous day for Ed and Bev, with Ed graduating from Northwestern Law School in the morning, followed promptly by their wedding in the afternoon. They honeymooned at Sea Island, Georgia and returned to find Ed had been drafted into the Army. They relocated to Texas and soon after welcomed Keri, born on base at Fort Hood (now Fort Cavazos). After 4 years, they were transferred to Virigina where Ed worked at the Pentagon. Finished with Active Duty and anxious to get back to the Midwest, Ed (now a member of the Army Reserves) moved the family to Minneapolis, Minnesota and eventually put down roots in Edina. Ed and Bev then welcomed their daughter Lori. He opened his law practice, Business Lawyers, and eventually a second practice, Military Law Veterans Center to assist soldiers in need. Ed served in the Army Reserves for 28 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He frequently could be found doing push-ups to prep for his next fitness test (really anywhere: restaurants, in between court appearances, even at intermission during a school band concert). Ed took such pride in his work as a lawyer. One notable accomplishment was arguing a case in front of Sandra Day O'Connor. Ed's biggest pride was his family. He was active at Normandale Lutheran Church and sang in the choir. Ed and Bev built a vast network of friends in Edina and traveled the world to many locations including China, Thailand, and Europe. He particularly enjoyed family ski trips and Epcot World Showcase. Ed had many passions: gardening, telling dad jokes, and DIY "remodeling". He was a devoted owner of many small dogs and excelled at entertaining grandchildren. His most notable quirks included collecting Chihuahua greeting cards, rereading The Lord of the Rings series, and his never-ending quest for a printer that in his words "actually prints". Ed loved life and would be shocked to know he didn't live to 120. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Beverly Zimmerman; daughters, Keri (Alan) Bearder and Lori (Curt) Ash;grandchildren Josiah, Alexa, Emmy and Maddy; brother Jeff (Luana) Zimmerman and their families; and many other relatives and friends. "Two road diverged in a wood and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." - Robert Frost A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 16th, 2024 at 10:30AM with visitation 30 minutes prior at the Minnesota Veterans Home. 1:30 PM burial following at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. *In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Ed's memory to Normandale Lutheran Church in Edina, or to the family.

Tributes

Edward Austin Zimmerman

August 4, 1943 - February 3, 2024

Tributes

Edward Austin Zimmerman

August 4, 1943 - February 3, 2024

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