Dwayne John Zimmerman

Dwayne John Zimmerman, 77, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2018. Dwayne was born in Fairview "on the North Dakota side" to Anna (Schaible) and Henry Zimmerman on June 22, 1941. He moved to Billings with his mother and siblings in 1954.

After graduating from Billings Senior High School, Dwayne worked as a car jockey. He worked in other jobs, but spend most of his working life at a local dealership. Cars were a love and a hobby.

He met "the most beautiful girl," Sherry Trafton, while they were both working for Midland Implement. Dwayne used to flip paper clips at her to get her attention. They were married in June 1967 and had three children.

Dwayne was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to go camping, fishing and hunting with family and friends. The Zimmerman family spent as much time as possible exploring the backcountry of Montana searching for good spots to "wet a line." He could often be seen studying the scenery through a camera or a pair of binoculars. He believed time spent camping made us a better family. Rainy days out camping would find him reading, solving puzzles or playing games. Cribbage and Scrabble were favorites, but anything would do. He loved reading and had a fondness for westerns and thrillers.

Dwayne found enjoyment in many activities including bowling, archery, shooting, square dancing, woodworking and going on boat floats. He would often pile his family in the car just to take a drive. He enjoyed taking pictures and putting on impromptu slideshows during family gatherings.

Family was first, and he led with a quiet strength and honest faith. Dwayne had a gentle soul, generous nature and a mischievous twinkle in his eye. He was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew him.

Dwayne was preceded in death by his wife, Sherry; and his two brothers, William (Darlene) Zimmerman and Clyde Zimmerman. He is survived by his children, Traci Zimmerman, Julie Zimmerman and Craig (Tara) Zimmerman; his four grandchildren, Vance Jacobs, Vanessa Jacobs, Austin Zimmerman and Connor Zimmerman; his great-granddaughter, Jemma Spadt; his siblings, Evelyn Zimmerman, DeAnna (John) Hoenshell and Glen (Joy) Zimmerman, their children, grandchildren and his extended family.

We would like to extend a special heartfelt thank you to the staff at The Springs at Grand Park, especially those in Footsteps Memory Care who took such good care of our father.

Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave.

Memorials may be made to the Montana Audubon Center helping encourage a love of the outdoors or to the charity of your choice.