Darleen L Zimmerman

Darleen L. Zimmerman, 88, of Lexington, passed away on Friday, February 28, 2025 at Holdrege Memorial Homes.

She was born on December 29, 1936, in Mission, South Dakota, to John and Annie (Grimm) Fernen. She attended Sedemojer School until her sixth grade when she began attending Mission Public Schools. She graduated with the class of 1956. On August 3, 1958, Darleen was united in marriage to the love of her life, Franklin Zimmerman in Mission, South Dakota. The couple lived in South Dakota until the Spring of 1960, when they made their home near Lexington, Nebraska.

Darleen was a hard worker and held many jobs throughout her life. She worked for a telephone company for many years in Mission, South Dakota, as well as being a secretary for Todd County Extension Services. Afterwards, she began working for Wal-Mart until she retired in 2004. Over the years, she also babysat for various families as well. Darleen adored her friends and neighbors. Darleen and her family had developed many life-long friends in their tight-knit community throughout the years. They often had neighbors visiting them every day, catching up and enjoying their time together. After Franklin passed away in 2005, Darleen moved to the Legend Oaks Apartments where she was often seen sitting in her driveway with her friends in the evenings, catching up on the day's events. She was incredibly proud of the accomplishments she had over her years, especially the award she received from Galaxy of the Stars for a song that she had published named, "The Sinking Titanic".

Darleen was a kind social butterfly. She knew many people in the community; if she didn't know them, she would get to know them within minutes. She was devout in her faith, and a few days before her passing, she believed she was ready to go to Heaven and have her body restored. In her final months, Darleen was cared for by so many wonderful health care providers. She wanted to make sure that the staff at Lexington Regional Health Center, Ridgeway Senior Living, CHI Health Good Samaritan, Holdrege Memorial Homes, and Phelps Memorial Hospital knew how thankful she was for the wonderful care and compassion that was given to her during her times of need.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children,  Alan Zimmerman of Lexington, Donna (Gordon) Hanson of Elwood, Lila (Mike) Kratzer of Broken Bow, Alvin (Kayleen) Zimmerman of Overton, Joyce (Greg) Racicky of Mason City, Janice (Jeff) Raastad of Manhattan, Kansas, Cherri (Ted) Crittenden of Kearney, and Judy (Bob) Sherard of Minden; as well as all of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family and friends. 

Darleen was preceded in death by her parents, John and Annie Fernen; her husband, Franklin Zimmerman; and her siblings and in-laws.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 2:00p.m. at  Grace Lutheran Church in Lexington, with Pastor John Strackbein officiating. The service will be live streamed via the Grace Lutheran Church Website and Facebook.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington, with family receiving guests from 5 -7 p.m.

Burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the Lexington Volunteer Fire Department or to the Dawson County Cancer Fund.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com