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Eugene "Gene" Emanuel Zimmerman, 82, passed away at his home on July 4, 2026. He was born on May 27, 1944, in Carson, North Dakota, to Emanuel and Lorraine Zimmerman.

Gene spent his childhood on the family farm south of New Leipzig until 1951, when the family moved to a farm north of Elgin. The land remained a lifelong passion, and in 1969 he took over the family farming operation, dedicating much of his life to agriculture. He also served as the County Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency until his retirement in 2011.

Gene graduated from Elgin High School in 1962 before attending North Dakota State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture in 1966. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968. He completed basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington, and Medical Corpsman training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, before serving a one-year tour in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Specialist Fifth Class (E-5). Following his military service, Gene worked for the North Dakota Extension Service in Bismarck before returning home to farm.

Gene was first married to Mary Christensen on May 30th, 1969 and together they had three sons: Brad, Jason, and Phil. He later married Tana Johnson on July 15th, 2000, and together they welcomed their son, Rayman. Through his marriage to Tana, Gene also gained a stepson, Weston, and stepdaughter, Ashley, whom he loved as family.

Gene found his greatest joy in the simple things life had to offer, and nothing meant more to him than his family. He treasured every opportunity to be together, whether it was sharing a meal, celebrating the holidays, or gathering for any occasion. He especially enjoyed family ski trips, hunting with family and friends, and proudly supporting his children and grandchildren in their school, athletic, and extracurricular activities. He loved spending time outdoors—from helping his dad care for the horses to driving the section roads to check on the farmland, appreciating the land he called home, and simply enjoying being outside.

He was rarely idle and could almost always be found tinkering with machinery, fixing something that was broken, or building something with his hands. Gene had a gift for solving problems and took pride in hard work. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, never expecting anything in return. Though he spent most of his life insisting dogs belonged outside, Toby eventually won his heart. Before long, Gene never wanted to leave the house without him, and the two became faithful companions. Just as much as he enjoyed staying busy, he treasured visiting with family and friends, sharing stories, laughter, and the kind of conversations that made everyone feel welcome. Above all, Gene was a genuinely kind, humble man whose steady presence, generous heart, and quiet sense of humor made him a joy to be around. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Gene is survived by his loving wife, Tana; his sons, Brad (Dana), Jason (April), Philip (Bret), and Rayman; his stepchildren, Ashley (Cal) Berry and Weston Wells; his grandchildren, Hannah, Jonah, Grace, Ashton, Brayden and Cole; his great-grandchildren, Callum, Archie, Wesley, Ezra and Sage; his siblings, Bob (Karen) Zimmerman, Lloyd Zimmerman, Mona (Leroy) Weikum, and Connie (Lee) Meyer; his little buddy Toby; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends; and many extended family members and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emanuel and Lorraine Zimmerman; his brother, Ray Zimmerman; and his sister-in-law, Kathy Zimmerman.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. MT on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at the Evanson Jensen Funeral Home in Elgin and one hour prior to the Funeral on Friday, July 10, 2026 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Carson, ND at 10:00 a.m. MT.  Rev. Bethany Haberstroh and Rev. Kevin McLouth will officiate.  Following a time of fellowship and lunch at the Church, burial with Full Military Honors will take place at Ebenezer UCC Cemetery, north of Elgin, ND.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers plants or a tree to be planted in Gene's memory.