Gail Zimmerman 78, passed away on January 6, 2025, in Phoenix, AZ. He left a positive impression on everyone he met and is fondly remembered for his quick-witted humor and zest for life. Funeral services will be held at a later date in Mesa, AZ, yet to be determined.
Gail was born in Lehr, North Dakota April 15, 1946, to Reuben and Magdalena (Eszlinger) Zimmerman, who instilled in him values of hard work and compassion from an early age.
Gail pursued his education with dedication, graduating from North Dakota State College of Science in 1966, where he earned a degree in Electronics. He furthered his academic journey at Regis University, culminating in a degree in Technical Management in 1986.
Gail met Cheryl Okerlund in Wishek, North Dakota and were married at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Kulm, North Dakota, on September 4, 1966, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey together and having three children: Wendy, Christopher, and Dustin.
Gail had a distinguished career characterized by innovation and leadership. He devoted 17 years to Honeywell as a Layout Designer and Layout Manager, where he made significant contributions to the field. Following this, he demonstrated his managerial acumen at Medtronic for 7 years, further expanding his expertise. Gail then embraced the role as a Contract Mask Designer for 12 years, showcasing his creativity and technical skills. He concluded his professional journey as a Mask Layout Designer Manager at Qualcomm, where he served for 6 impactful years before retiring in 2014.
Throughout his career, Gail and Cheryl embraced adventure, traveling extensively across the United States in their motorhome, allowing them to create cherished memories while Gail worked as a contract mask designer. In 2007, the couple settled in the scenic city of Mesa, Arizona, where Gail dedicated his talents to Qualcomm. He was known not only for his professional achievements but also for his unwavering devotion to family and friends. His leisure activities included indulging in watching game shows and football, as well as exploring new destinations. In every encounter, Gail radiated warmth, joy, and kindness, leaving a positive impact on everyone he met.
Gail is survived by his children Wendy Zimmerman (Chuck Herbst) and Christopher Zimmerman, grandchildren Amanda, Ashley, Kaitlyn, Chase, Chandler, Taylor, Mikayla, Dillon, Callie, Katrina, and Zachary, great-grandchildren, Mathilda, Logan, and Sadie. brothers-in-laws Richard Okerlund (Cathy) and Timothy Okerlund (Connie), sister-in-law – Verna Zimmerman of Wishek, ND.
Gail was preceded in death by several cherished family members, including his parents Reuben and Magdalena (Eszlinger) Zimmerman, his granddaughter Ashley McGann, his brother-in-law Leon Okerlund, his son Dustin Zimmerman, his brother Robert (Bob) Zimmerman, his wife Cheryl Zimmerman, his sister-in-law Delores Zimmerman. His brother Delmar Zimmerman passed two days after Gail on January 8, 2025.
Gail will be remembered not only for his achievements but also for the love and kindness he spread throughout his life, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.