Remembering Mike Zimmer

Mike Zimmer touched generations of people, leaving countless memories that reached far beyond Fillmore County.

Born January 29, 1960, to Edward Zimmer and Rita Heusinkveld, He graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1980. Mike married his sweetheart, Debbie Marr, and together they raised Logan, Morgan and Regan, centering their life on family, service and their community. His involvement with EMS (firefighter in Wykoff/Spring Valley, an EMT, Southeast EMS instructor, especially programs with Explorer and Wilderness) showed his passion for service.

Mike’s dedication stretched across every area of his life, earning him the reputation of being a “Git R Done Guy.” He served on the Kingsland School Board, worked with 4-H Shooting Sports, belonged to the Knights of Columbus, and coached to support his children’s activities.

Todd Jones, owner of ACE Hardware in Spring Valley, Minnesota remembers Mike as a youth since Mike and Todd’s brother, Bobby were close friends. The three of them joined a Taekwondo class in Preston. Todd relates, “I was in sixth grade roughly and very impressionable. I idolized those guys!  Mike would sometimes drive his old Jeep Wrangler down to Preston and I would ride in the back seat. I thought I was ‘the bomb’ being able to hang out with the cool guys. Before I got home, Bobby would say,  ‘Now you don’t need to repeat anything that you heard tonight, all right.’  It was like having a secret club with two of my hometown idols. As I grew older, Mike and I were on the Spring Valley Fire Department … I got to see my old childhood idol be a servant to the community, always being calm and cool in a bad situation. Not only was Mike a quick tongued funny guy, saying in his own words ‘I’m 150 pounds of twisted steel and sex appeal!’, but was a caring man who put his community’s needs at the top of his list. Mike was what small town living is about – caring for your fellow citizens and neighbors. Mike and Bobby are both gone so I’m guessing a lot of shenanigans are going on in Heaven. Hats off to Mike and thanks for the lessons in life that you’ve shown me.”

The Spring Valley Area Ambulance placed this message on their Facebook page, “It is with sad hearts that we post this. We lost one of our own over the weekend.  After 35-plus years as an EMT, Mike Zimmer passed away following a five year battle with cancer. He was one of our co-directors and actively taking ambulance calls until a week before his passing.

Our hearts are with his family and friends. Mike touched many lives over his adult life as he was active in the community in many ways. Mike’s volunteering as an EMT is just a part of the generosity of his time he so willingly gave. It seems very appropriate that he was selected as a 2025 Citizen of the Year this past fall for the city of Spring Valley by the Kiwanis Club.

Mayor of Spring Valley, Justin Mlinar’s words give voice to many who respected Mike.   Justin writes, “It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of Mike Zimmer, a lifelong Spring Valley resident and a truly dedicated servant of our community.

“Mike’s commitment to Spring Valley was demonstrated through decades of service with the Spring Valley Area Ambulance and his leadership in emergency management. Whether responding to an emergency, supporting his fellow first responders or quietly working behind the scenes to keep our community safe, Mike could always be counted on.

“His service was never about recognition. It was rooted in compassion, responsibility and a genuine love for his neighbors. Mike gave generously of his time and talents, and his steady presence made Spring Valley a stronger and safer place.

“On behalf of the city of Spring Valley, we extend our deepest sympathies to Mike’s family, friends, colleagues and the many community members whose lives he touched. We are grateful for his remarkable service, and his legacy of commitment and care will not be forgotten. Mike, Spring Valley will not be the same without you, but is better because of you.”

Mike’s influence reached into the sphere of his work. Craig S. Frisk, DVM, PhD Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota comments, “In the early morning at Mayo, several of us in the animal area would begin the day with Mike in the breakroom holding court, telling us stories. Mike had the uncanny ability to seamlessly and rapidly transition from one story to the next. Thus, he rarely lost any of his interested audience. We all enjoyed starting the day listening to Mike’s frolics from the past. Mike will be remembered as a story-teller extraordinaire who will be greatly missed.”

People who knew Mike describe a compassionate, dependable, hardworking man who was always willing to help. When Spring Valley EMS needed something, Mike was there. He saw a problem and looked for a way to fix it. His dedication wasn’t simply a job or title – it was a way of life.

Those dedicated to EMS are aware of the sacrifices made by their family members and the interruptions at all hours of the day or night they are called to serve. A special thanks to Deb and family for all the years they allowed the gift of Mike’s servant’s heart to be available.

“The pager is silent. The lessons live on. The lake is calm. Rest easy, Mike.”