Hans Anthony Zimmerman

Hans Anthony Zimmerman obituary

Hans Anthony Zimmerman

Hans Zimmerman Obituary

Published by Star Tribune from Dec. 28 to Dec. 30, 2012.
Zimmerman, Hans Anthony age 28, of Minnetonka, passed away December 26, 2012. Our beloved Hans passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends, having been able to enjoy Christmas with his family at home. Hans was a relentlessly brave, generous, thoughtful, sincere, devoted, forgiving, humorous, intelligent, ambitious, passionate, and inspiring young man. Throughout his life, Hans enjoyed animals, soccer, martial arts, music, art, technology, and cooking. Graduating with honors from Benilde- St. Margaret's School in 2003, he received a standing ovation, along with the distinguished President's Award. Most of all, Hans greatly loved spending time doing anything with his family. He was loving, a joy and an inspiration to his parents, siblings and nieces and nephews. Hans Zimmerman was a remarkably gentle person, always kind and considerate to the people who cared for him. Incredibly witty and always giving toward others, Hans could bring light to any room. Everywhere he went, he put a smile on people's faces and touched them with his calm dignity and deep respect for all. At the time of his death, Hans was surrounded by members of his family, Deacons Clarence Shallbetter and James Peterson, and several of the doctors who had come to know him. A lifelong resident of Minnetonka, Minnesota, Hans is survived by his loving parents, Joanell and Frederick M. Zimmerman; his brother, Frederick J. Zimmerman and his wife Sarah Stein; his sisters, Carita Zimmerman and her husband Peter Ekola, Christina Ristau and her husband Steve, and Brigitte Zimmerman; and his nieces and nephews Emma, Peyton, Cooper, Ira, Julius, and Fiona. The funeral mass will be celebrated Monday, December 31, at 11 AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 13505 Excelsior Boulevard, Minnetonka. Visitation will be held December 30, 4:30-7:30 PM at Huber Funeral Home in Eden Prairie, and December 31, 10-11 AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Memorials preferred to Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Benilde-St. Margaret's School, Minneapolis Children's Cancer Research Fund, or Animal Humane Society. We wish to extend our sincerest gratitude to everyone who has prayed for Hans and for our family over the years. We also thank the numerous community members who provided assistance when we needed support, service, and renewed faith. We could not have made this journey without you.
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.

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January 14, 2021

Sameer Kumar posted to the memorial.

December 22, 2019

MARGARET BAUER posted to the memorial.

December 22, 2019

Jane Drazkowski posted to the memorial.

Sameer Kumar

January 14, 2021

As Dr. Fred Zimmerman's colleague at the Univ of St. Thomas, I have met Hans few times. A young man with great talent and potential left a lasting impression on me in our conversation. May God bless him in Heaven! Respectfully - Sam Kumar

MARGARET BAUER

December 22, 2019

Our family remembers Hans for almost all of his 28 years of life. First in Sunday school, then grade school thru high school, he was a classmate of our John B. Bauer. They were collaborators, friends and rivals throughout math league and other scholastic competitions. He and John shared a talent for humor and theater, both staring in and stealing the show in the school production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat."

With the passing of Hans December 26, 2012, John was deeply struck with a lasting fondness and impression how very precious life is, especially a life well lived as Hans did. John used to say of all the adversity and illness Hans experienced in life, "when life gave Hans lemons, he just made lemonade to share with others."

All the Bauer's remember Hans fondly, the example he set forth for the rest of us to follow. Thanks Hans.

Jane Drazkowski

December 22, 2019

When I fondly remember my days with Dr Cich, Hans and your family come to mind. Such a sweet boy, with a loving family who endured so much. You were a pleasure to care for. God bless.

Lee Wenzel

January 17, 2013

Fred,
So sorry to hear of your loss. I know it leaves a big hole. My thoughts are with you.

January 8, 2013

Fred and family--very sory to hear about your son--I didn' know him,but knowing you Fred say's alot about the type of person he must have been.Take care Roger stowell

Merritt Nequette

January 7, 2013

Fred and family,
So sorry to hear about Hans' passing. I remember Fred talking about him years ago.

Kim Schumann

January 7, 2013

I worked with Hans while he was a student at the University of St. Thomas. I remember him as a very pleasant and thoughtful young man. My prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Susan Spray

January 7, 2013

It is sad to hear of Hans as now gone. No words can help to fill the emptiness you must feel. In sympathy, Susan Spray

Liz Johnson

January 7, 2013

Dear Fred and Family,

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son. I never knew your son, but I remember when he was born, Fred - we were working together at 44 Cleveland and 57 Portland offices. It appears, from the eulogy and obituary that you all had a wonderful life together! You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Liz

January 6, 2013

Dear Joanell & Fred, and family,
I learned yesterday after St. Olaf's noon Mass that Hans died on Dec. 26th. What a blessing it was for you to spend Christmas together. Please accept my sympathy and prayers during this difficult time. May he rest in the peace of Christ. Kate Gerundo, Mpls, formerly UST.

Jim Reid

January 5, 2013

Dear Fred and Joanell:

My sister Kate Gerundo (also formerly of St. Thomas) just called with the news of Hans's passing (via Steve Helmueller). I remember so well the trials you had when Hans was a youngster and was so happy to read of the fruitful (and long, compared to what the outlook once was) life.

I hope you are both doing well.

Jim Reid

Steve & Ixia Helmueller

January 4, 2013

Dear Fred, Joanell, and family,

We just heard the sad news today. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

January 4, 2013

To the Zimmerman Family,
We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of your Dear Son Hans. i had the opportunity to meet him one day at Glenrose Floral and my husband Rick and I send you our sincerest sympathy.He is enjoying his eternal reward and is never to suffer again.With caring thoughts, Peggy and Rick Bernett

Kellie Sutherland

January 2, 2013

Sending numerous prayers up for Hans and and his family. After 26 years of fighting, he's finally able to peacefully rest among the angels. May God be with you through this tough time and help you feel at peace knowing he's in paradise!

Carol and Mark Zimmerman

January 1, 2013

Dear Fred and Joanell and Family,
We just learned of Hans passing and wanted to express our deepest sympathy to you all. It's amazing how courageous and resilient Hans was. He set the bar on how to show up for life for the rest of us. We remembered Joanell bringing Hans and Brigitte (both were just little children then) over to visit great Aunt Lil after their violin lessons when we were there visiting her from California. He was a witty and charming little boy. At Fred's retirement celebration we had an opportunity to see Hans, all grown up, and had a chance to talk with him for a little while. We're so glad we got that chance because he had grown into such an incredibly fine young man. We will always remember Hans.
May God bless you all.
Carol and Mark Zimmerman

December 31, 2012

God bless your family in the loss of Hans.


Gordon & Martina Leighton (Minnetonka, MN)

Jack Sheehan

December 31, 2012

I am so sorry to hear about Hans. If ever there was a personification of courage in the face of adversity, he was it. May God comfort you in your grief, and grant Hans eternal rest.

Maura Brew

December 31, 2012

I am so very sorry. I remember Hans so well at BSM, both in my freshman English class, and as an inspiration in the community. He was the gentlest of souls, with a keen curiosity and a passion for learning. I have thought of him so often -- that's not going to change. Who can forget those twinkling eyes! Hans, you touched so many lives and your memory will be with us always. My thoughts and prayers go to your loving family who took such good care of you.

Jeaneen Nelson

December 30, 2012

Christina: My sympathy to you in the loss of your brother. Lee LeBaron notified me-Lee and I were classmates many years ago and somehow made the connection some years back that we both knew of you and your brother. May your many memories be of some comfort in the loss of your brother. "Sorrow is not forever, Love is."

Jane Boots

December 30, 2012

Hans was a special person and definitely an inspiration to all who met him. I am glad that he was able to be at home for Christmas. May you find strength in your memories. I know he will be remembered as a strong person on 6B.

Glenda F Koelln, RN

December 30, 2012

My deepest sympathy to all of your family in the loss of Hans. I was able to care for Hans during his visits to Children's Hospital inpatient and in Radiology.. My thoughts are with you.

Tami Bohn Provencher

December 30, 2012

I have vivid memories of teaching French in the IHM pre-school and Hans' shining eyes, his irresistible laugh and the aura he had since childhood which drew people to him. (I was thrilled to see he's a fellow Red Knight alum too!)The gift of your smile made a difference in so many lives; you will be remembered always with joy and love.

December 30, 2012

To the Zimmerman family~
Our deepest and most heartfelt condolances to all of you with the passing of Hans to eternal life. He was a courageous child and brave young man who faced so much in his short life. God bless you and your family.
~Margaret & Michael Bauer family, Minnetonka MN

Deborah Zachman

December 29, 2012

Hans was one of those students that an educator never forgets. He loved learning and was a true inspiration to peers and adults alike. I was blessed to be his teacher at IHM. My heartfelt sympathies as you grieve the loss of this fine young man.

December 29, 2012

Fred, Joanell and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Hans' death. He certainly fought a long and hard battle. I remember so many days he was in the clinic or in the hospital. I hope you can have some comfort knowing his suffering is finished and that he can be with Jack Cich.
Lee LeBaron, Prescott,AZ

Sameer Kumar

December 29, 2012

Dear Joanell and Fred:
I am sorry to learn about Hans is no more with us. He was indeed a great human being who was so brave. I am praying for him and your family. I am very sorry.
Best regards,
Sam K.

Carol Low

December 29, 2012

It was a blessing to have had Hans in my class while working at IHM. I remember the twinkle in his eyes, beautiful smile and his gift of music. God certainly blessed all of those that were touched by him.
My prayer is that God will comfort the people that he left behind and bless them with His ultimate peace.

Michael Hawkins

December 28, 2012

Though I never had Hans in a class, I was certainly aware of him as a role model and an inspiration.

Jean Hromatka Nightingale

December 28, 2012

Hans was a wonderful young man. I am proud to have known him and was blessed to have been his teacher. He made all of our lives brighter by being a part of it. I hope you can find comfort knowing he is in a better place.

Gerry and Bob Faley

December 28, 2012

May Peace wash over you and Hope carry through the days ahead.
You are in our prayers.

December 28, 2012

Dear Fred, Joanell and family. So very sorry to hear of your loss. What a brave young man Hans was. We will remember all of you in our prayers and offer our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
David and Linda Christensen

Jane Drazkowski

December 28, 2012

So sad to hear the news about Hans. I also find some comfort that he is once again with Jack. God bless you through this time of great sadness and always...nurse Jane

Maggie (Spring) Ainslie

December 28, 2012

Dear Joanell, Fred, Frederick, Carita, Christina, Brigitte and all:

My heart sank when I first saw the Caring Bridge notice of Hans' death. Tears filled my eyes as I remembered the little boy I knew and the young man I have come to know vicariously through your words. I am truly glad his suffering has ended, and I imagine that after trying so hard for so long to keep him well, get him well again, and live in hope, it is probably even harder to find peace in the midst of grief. Please know that you are surrounded by love and care, being held in the light of God, the light that no darkness can overcome. How amazing to have transplant connected to Easter and death to Christmas, but perhaps this all makes sense in the wisdom of the Alpha and Omega. I know that death does not get the last word. I know that I will be praying for you in the coming days and weeks.

Much love,

Margaret Kurth

December 28, 2012

Dear Fred, Joanell, Brigitte
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. He was a child and now an adult who fought a tremendous fight against cancer. I think of him often and now will think of him in heaven with Jack Cich. This has been a year of great loss and sadness. I will keep you in my prayers and hope that you find peace in the new year.
Margaret Kurth

Margaret Kurth

December 28, 2012

Dear Fred, Joanell, Brigitte
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. He was a child and now an adult who fought a tremendous fight against cancer. I think of him often and now will think of him in heaven with Jack Cich. This has been a year of great loss and sadness. I will keep you and your family in my prayers and wish you peace in the new year.
Margaret Kurth

Bruce Bostrom

December 28, 2012

Dear Fred, Joanell, Brigitte and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most dificult time. Hans fought a long and hard battle and you with him. May God Bless his memory.
Dr Bostrom

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January 14, 2021

Sameer Kumar posted to the memorial.

December 22, 2019

MARGARET BAUER posted to the memorial.

December 22, 2019

Jane Drazkowski posted to the memorial.