Betty Lou Zimmerman (nee Weller, nee Haselwood) was welcomed home by her Lord and Savior on Sunday December 20, 2009. Her battle with Alzheimer's and diabetes ended peacefully with her husband Julius at her side.


Betty Lou was born to parents Albert and Lena (Sippert) Haselwood on October 31, 1932 in rural Bentley, ND. Her home was a lively one as she was one of five children. Her early childhood was during the depression of the 1930s and extended through the WWII. Though anchored in their rural North Dakota community, the family moved to Missouri so her father could continue employment with the railroad company. As soon as possible they returned to their home in Bentley.


Here she met her first husband, Arthur Weller, a soldier recovered from wounds endured while serving in Italy. They married May 30, 1950 and were blessed with three children. They spent the 38 years nurturing their family and Art's business in New Leipzig. Betty Lou cared for the family and worked at the local grocery store and Dakota Hills. Arthur died on a golf course in Massachusetts in August, 1988 while babysitting their grandchildren.


Betty Lou then met, fell in love and married Julius Zimmerman (on his birthday) August, 17, 1989. After retirement, Betty Lou and Julius moved to Apache Junction, Arizona where they lived as "snow-birds" sharing their time between the sun and the plains. Betty Lou's energy and gregarious nature made it impossible to sit still. She found her ideal outlet as a greeter for Wal-Mart. However, the tug of their North Dakota roots brought them back home to Elgin full-time in 2004, and joyfully reunited her with the faith-community at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Betty Lou and Julius were active in the Lions and their community until illness intervened. Julius remains active today.


Betty Lou is survived by her husband of 20 years, Julius Zimmerman, children Bonnie (Dave) Kilzer, Danville, CA, Arta Gale (Russell) Pahl, Pierre, SD; and Randy (Kara Huyler) Weller, Grandby, CO. Her life was brightened by 7 grandchildren and spouses Jamie Pahl, Bobbie Jo (Pahl) (BJ) Dart, Kyle (Jennifer) Kilzer, Jonathan (Margaret) Kilzer, Erin Kilzer, Christopher (Christina) Weller and Lindsey Weller. Four great-grandchildren include Jacob Kilzer, Miles Kilzer, Taylee Dart, and Kylie Dart. Her marriage to Julius expanded her family to include step-children Lyle, Chris and Debra and two grandchildren; one sister, Willa Mae Smith, Columbia, MO, and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.


She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Lena Haselwood, her first husband of 38 years, Arthur Weller; 2 brothers, Roy and Donald Haselwood, and sister, Cora Frank.


Funeral services will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Leipzig at 2:00 pm December 28, 2009. Pastor John Amundson will officiate with burial in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.


A family service will be held at 7:00 pm on Sunday evening at the Evanson-Jensen Funeral Home in Elgin.


Visitation will be held on Sunday 1:00 to 7:00 pm, on Monday, 9:00 am to 12 noon at the Evanson-Jensen Funeral Home in Elgin and one hour prior to services at Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Leipzig.


Serving as casketbearers are her grandchildren. All Lion's, Lionesses, and American Legion Auxiliary are considered honorary bearers.


In lieu of flowers Betty Lou has requested donations be made in her name to Immanuel Lutheran Church or the Jacobsen Care Center. It is clear that the community contributed to a joy-filled life, though too numerous to mention, the family wishes to thank the communities of New Leipzig and Elgin for that indefinable element that Betty Lou cherished. The family also thanks Rev. John Amundson and the caring and professional staff of Jacobsen Care Center and Hospital and the many friends and family who supported her and Julius during the last challenging months.