Angel E. Zimmerman

Angel E. Zimmerman, of Antigo, died November 8, 2025, at the Aspirus Hospice House of Wausau. She was 42 years old. Born June 23, 1983, in Wausau, a daughter to Dell and Brenda (Rethaber) Nicholson. She married Derek Zimmerman on June 27, 2009, on Rib Mountain.
She attended Peace Lutheran grade school and graduated from Antigo High School where she was a top athlete lettering in softball and hockey. She received her associate degree in human services from Northcentral Technical College.
After college, Angel worked for ATTIC Correctional Services and then held several positions at the Boys & Girls Club of the Northwoods for 18 years, including Chief Executive Officer for 11.5 years, before her retirement in 2023. In 2024, she received her life and health coach certification, and started her own business, Still Rising Health & Life Coaching. For several years, she also coached the Antigo High School girls' softball and hockey teams.
Angel received the National Professional Service Award from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. She served on several local boards and committees, including the Antigo Optimist Club (where she was named Optimist of the Year in 2015), the Aspirus Langlade Hospital Board, the Langlade County Economic Development Board, and the Antigo School Board. She was also a member of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks Lodge 662.
Her children, Lucy and Joseph, were her greatest accomplishments. Her family was everything to her, and she cherished every celebration and tradition, especially birthdays, because she believed everyone deserved to be celebrated. She enjoyed taking little weekend vacations with her family, especially their annual Christmas vacation to Titletown. She shared a love of music with her family and enjoyed helping with and attending the yearly Fuddfest and later the MC Festivals. She was a passionate advocate for youth and a proud community supporter.
She was known for her signature curly hair and her infectious laugh, instantly recognizable in any room. Angel dedicated herself to bringing health and wellness to herself and others, and while grateful for modern medicine, she embraced holistic and alternative treatments. One of the most meaningful experiences on her cancer journey, bringing both healing and comfort, was her time spent at Hope4Cancer in Cancun, Mexico.
Survivors include her husband, Derek; children, Lucy and Joseph Zimmerman; parents, Dell and Brenda all of Antigo; father- and mother-in-law, Donald and Joy Zimmerman of Wausau; sister, Molly (Chris) Held of Gleason; brothers, Adam (Tera) Nicholson of Antigo and Levi (Cole Holliday) Nicholson of Wausau; sister-in-law, Erin (Keith Baars) Zimmerman of Wausau; brother-in-law, Daniel (Clarice) Zimmerman of Antigo; maternal grandmother, Dione "Mitzi" Krueger of Merrill; step-grandmother, Darlene Rethaber of Merrill; her best friend, Tammy (Dan) Walrath of Antigo; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Levi and Nettie Nicholson; maternal grandfather, Oswald Rethaber; step-grandfather, Kenneth Krueger; and sister-in-law, Jamie Zimmerman-Weyneth.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, November 18 at 12 p.m. at the Bradley Funeral Home with Pastor Justin Spady officiating. Burial will follow at Trinity Cemetery in the town of Texas.
Visitation will be held on Monday, November 17 from 3 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home with an Elks Lodge of Sorrow service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will also be held on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Angel Zimmerman Benefit Fund, at CoVantage Credit Union.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Chris Peterson and the staff of the Volm Cancer Center, the Aspirus Palliative Care team, and the compassionate caregivers at the Aspirus Hospice House. Special thanks also to the Aspirus Health Foundation, Jessica Olson and Bradley Funeral Home, and the entire community for your outpouring of support, during her cancer battle.
The service will be live streamed on the Bradley Funeral Home YouTube page. Please click here to be directed to the stream.