Leon Zimmerman, age 94, went home to be with Jesus on Friday, May 5, 2023 at his home in Napoleon, ND, in his sleep. Visitation will be Friday, May 12 ^th at the Dahlstrom Funeral Home in Napoleon from 5-6:30pm with a prayer service at 6:30pm. Celebration of life will be Saturday, May 13 ^th at 10:00am at the First Baptist Church in Wishek, ND. Burial will be held at the Napoleon City Cemetery. A livestream of Leon's funeral service will be available on the Wishek First Baptist Church Facebook page.

Leon was born on July 21, 1928, to Jacob and Katherine (Pfeifle) Zimmerman on the family farm 15 miles east of Napoleon. He was the third youngest of 15 children. Leon attended a country school in Logan County until he was in the 8th grade, when his father passed away in 1942. Leon being 14 years old, and the eldest boy in the household, quickly accepted responsibility, stepped up to the plate and took care of the farm along with his mom and older sisters.

In Leon's early teen years, he went forward at a gospel tent meeting where he gave his heart to the Lord Jesus, believing on Him and asking Him for forgiveness of his sins. The Lord greatly blessed him and protected him throughout his journey of life.  He later was baptized with his two oldest sons at Crystal Springs Baptist Camp near Medina, ND.

One of Leon's greatest blessings was on November 12, 1950, when he married the love of his life, Gladys Bettenhausen. They made their home on the family homestead. They were blessed with 6 children who they taught how to work, be respectful, and love the Lord. He made sure that they always knew that God loved them and always was with them.  He also wanted everyone to know that he loved them and told them often, especially his wife of 72 years.

Some of Leon's greatest adventures involved farming and ranching until 1990 when his son, Reed, took over operations. During his time farming, he raised a variety of different things including corn, oats, wheat, flax and barley. They also milked cows for many years, and he always had a love for his beef cattle. Leon was part owner of the Napoleon Livestock Auction barn in the early 70's.  His job was working the "out" door in the sales ring.

Leon was well known for his famous chariot races and being able to sport the cowboy hat like none other. For entertainment on the farm the family rode horseback and sang old Gospel hymns almost everytime they were together.

Leon was someone who never needed a microphone. His loud voice and contagious laughter could always be heard and recognized. He loved people and had many friends. He was never scared to prove his point or to set somebody straight. He was always willing to meet new people, and always enjoyed spending time uptown, and enjoyed his winter trips to Arizona since the 1990's.

Mowing alfalfa, checking cows, shooting gophers, playing pinochle, and watching the "boys" work were all things he loved. But most of all, he loved his family of 59 people, and the Lord. He told story after story reliving miracles on the farm and ways that God intervened. He always praised God for leading them to buy the house in Napoleon.  He will be missed by many far and wide.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents and all his brothers and sisters.  He was survived by Gladys, his faithful and gracious wife of 72 years, three sons: Rodney (April) Zimmerman- Hazen ND, Reed (Kathleen) Zimmerman- Napoleon ND, and Russell (Diane) Zimmerman- Cottage Grove, MN; three daughters: Roxanne (Larry) Vidger- Maplewood, MN, Rhonda (Lonell) Dikoff- West Fargo/Napoleon, ND, and Robin (Mark) Kramlich- Jamestown, ND, 16 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

Memorials will be given to Crystal Springs Baptist Camp, Medina, ND, First Baptist Church, Wishek, ND, and the McCoy Ministries, Jamestown, ND.