January 17,1954 – February 26, 2024
Michael “Mike” James Zimmerman passed away at home after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. His family was there to love and comfort him. He was born January 17, 1954, in Helena, Montana, the eldest son of five children to Joe and Mary Zimmerman.
Mike was fortunate to grow up in a home that believed in God, family, and hard work. He attended Bishop Gilmore school and then later attended public schools in Helena, graduating from Helena High School in 1972.
Growing up Mike enjoyed being an altar boy, boy scout and rockhound. Camping and exploring with his siblings was one of his favorite things to do.
Mike worked various jobs through high school including selling papers, working at Jacoby’s Men Store, Barnes Jewelry, painting, and perfataping. He fondly told stories of painting for elderly people who were always providing him with sandwiches and cookies to “keep up his strength.”
In 7th grade Mike met his future wife Gail even though it wasn’t until High School when they took things to the next step and in 1974, they were married. This then came with six wonderful children, Kelly, Julie, John, David, Tim, and Steven, not to forget his love of dogs, leaving behind Aspen, Rocky, and Ellie. Mike and Gail were blessed with 50 years together.
Mike loved going to the movies and couldn’t wait to see what new movie came out over the weekend. Garage sales and estate sales became something he truly enjoyed and came home with many treasures bragging about his many finds. Throughout their marriage Mike found time to take the occasional out-of-state trip taking Gail and the children for yet another adventure.
Mike worked on many remodeling and building projects with his family learning the value of seeing a project from start to finish and giving him the love of real estate thus paying his way through college. He graduated from Carroll College in 1976 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting and an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice.
After graduation he went on to work for the State Treasury and then the Board of Investments as a Portfolio Securities manager. It was during this time that Mike wanted to expand his love of real estate and went to work for Golden West Real Estate becoming a realtor and later a broker branching off into his own business. Even though Mike worked both jobs he always went off to work many evenings and weekends helping his family with their many building projects.
The next chapter of Mike’s life began when he hung up his tie at the State of Montana and ventured out to pursue his dream of owning and operating a business. One business lead to another and in the long run he had several businesses including Hobo Video, The Scrub Tub Laundromat and Drycleaning plant, and many years of owning and operating the Country Harvest, The Whistle Stop Restaurant, and the Howard Johnson Hotel.
Mike became an appraiser and enjoyed that work until his illness started in November.
His last proud accomplishment was the rental business that he established and ran with his wife and the help of his children who were always there to help with painting and repairs as needed. He was very proud of his hard-working children and grandchildren.
He was quite the storyteller, and he totally had his grandchildren convinced he met and became friends with an alien named “Bob.” Many laughs and stories pursued over that one. Every family event Mike was sure to tell some kind of story about the kids growing up and all the mischief they got into. He loved going to their sporting events and all school programs. Mike most recently decided to pass the storytelling torch to his grandchildren.
Mike Is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Mary Zimmerman, his uncle Bernard and aunt Lillian Zimmerman, his nephew Bryan Zimmerman; and his son-in-law Stephen Sakaguchi.
Mike is survived by his loving wife Gail, his children: Kelly, Julie Sakaguchi, John, David (Brandi), Tim, and Steven all of Helena. His grandchildren Maci and Jacob Sakaguchi, Taylor and Kamri Zimmerman. He is also survived by his siblings Terry and Jeff of Helena, Vince (Dan) of Denver CO, Karen Durgin (Steve) of Spokane Valley, WA; his nieces and nephews; Teresa, Kevin (Josselyn), James, Lee Anne and Alicia Zimmerman of Helena; Greg (Brenda) Durgin of Star, Idaho; Phil (Sofia) Durgin of Fort Worth, Texas and several special great nieces and nephews.
A funeral mass will be held in Helena on Thursday, May 9 at 11:00 A.M. at Our Lady of the Valley Church followed by a luncheon in the Social Center. Burial will be at the Resurrection Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Lewis and Clark Humane Society (https://lchsmontana.org) or helenafoodshare.org.
A special thanks to The Cancer Treatment Center for their excellent care of Mike and to Compassus who made sure Mike was always treated with respect and much needed comfort.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Thursday May 9, 2024
Our Lady of the Valley Church
1502 Shirley Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Luncheon
Following the Funeral Mass
Thursday May 9, 2024
Church Social Hall
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Thursday May 9, 2024
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Thursday May 9, 2024
Our Lady of the Valley Church
1502 Shirley Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Luncheon
Following the Funeral Mass
Thursday May 9, 2024
Church Social Hall
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Thursday May 9, 2024
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Bob & Barb Wilson says
We are so sorry for your loss. You’re in our thoughts and prayers
Jim, Aprill , Wren says
We are so very loss for your loss. Mike was a wonderful boss and friend. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Kim Flatow says
Gail and family, I am so sorry to learn of Mike’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Donna Coman says
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Peggy (Woods) Williams says
So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. God bless you all.
Jim Wilcox Sally Russell says
So sorry to hear. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family 💔
Diane says
Gail and family
I was so sorry to learn that Mike passed away. We both graduated from HHS in 1972 and were born the same year exactly 2 days apart. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time. With sincere sympathy, Diane Richter, Pedersen.
Mike says
Mike was my classmate and cub and Boy Scout friend! His wonderful wife Gayle too was my classmate his children my children’s friends as well. A kind wonderful gentleman a hard worker and just a great individual! The world yearns for great people as Mike! So very sorry Zimmerman family you all are in my evening thoughts and prayers! Again so very sorry of Mikes passing.
Mike and Missy Duke says
Our condolences to all the family.
Becky Gillespie says
So sorry for your loss Mike was a wonderful boss
Jack & Barb King says
To All the Zimmerman’s,
We are so sorry to hear about Mike.
This is so sad but he’s watching from above!
HUGS
Terry Zimmerman says
Mike is my Big Brother. He was very smart. All my life if I was ever lost or needing something all I had to do was look Up. Gail Both you and Mike were such a great help to me and my family. I’ll never forget the good times we shared, the laughs, and special moments with you and your family. I Love you all and I’m so sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace. Love Terry
Tammy Zimmerman says
Such wonderful, wonderful memories with Mike and Gail and all the ” kids” growing up! Always admired your and Mike’s relationship Gail ….so special. I am heart broken for you. Love and prayers for you and your beautiful family, as always. Tammy
Patricia (Rogers) Glisson says
Gail and family: So sorry to read of your great loss!
Brian LaMoure says
I have lots of good memories with Mike. They certainly started with his mother being our Cub Scout Den Leader and living just a couple houses down from the cathedral. I was a groomsman at his wedding so so long ago. Good times so sorry to hear the news.
Wendy and John Kleker says
It was such a pleasure to get to know Mike, Gail and the family when our son, Stephen, married Julie. I really enjoyed Mike’s stories and had many good laughs and memories with him and Gail. We will miss seeing his big smile and hearing more stores when we visit Helena. Our prayers are with you, Gail and Julie, Maci, Jacob, and the whole family. I know Mike’s passing to Glory will make a big hole in your family.
John E. Andrew says
I started grade school with Mike and was a classmate through HHS 1972. What a legacy, he he was a hard, smart, worker from his earliest days in all his endeavors and so devoted to family who I share heartfelt condolences with. Godspeed Mike.
Bill Berg says
Mike and I were friends in school. He was an amazing person. Later on in years he and I had the opportunity to be in partnership with his Ventures. I was in Fire Protection and I was able to work with him in his and Gail’s business ventures. U will be missed my friend!
Julie (Kamps) Lee says
I met Mike when he started dating my best friend, Gail. He was always so sweet and you hardly ever saw him without a smile and that wonder laugh of his. We spent a lot of time together and double dated a lot. Mike came from such a wonderful family. His parents, Joseph and Mary, were always so kind and welcoming. I had the privilege of being Gail’s Maid-of-Honor when they get married. There were many events we all went to together, including proms and lots of drive-in movies. Mike always let me tag along when I wasn’t dating anyone. He was always so kind. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Gail, their kids and grandkids. Also with Mike’s siblings and their families. It’s times like this that I wish I still lived close. I know Mike is smiling down on all of you!
Michelle says
Julie…what a beautiful capture of life for your dad. You live his values and share his story. Much love to you, Maci and Jacob.
Cheri (Bourassa) & John Larson says
I was also a classmate of Mike’s and hadn’t seen him in a few years. Whenever I saw him he always made time for a short visit and sharing of news. What a legacy he has left this community and what an amazing family man. Our prayers are with the family and friends that will miss him so much, and for his new journey.
Dave Lewis says
I worked with Mike at the Board of Investments. I remember him going to a committee meeting at the Legislature. I always remembered one hearing when I was hit with a hard question and I looked at Mike and he handed me a paper with exactly what I needed. Always prepared. A good man.
Kelley Brown says
I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He was our landlord and was the best. He was a kind and gracious man always taking into consideration what was going on in the lives of his tenants. We will miss him.
Kelley Brown and Michael Shields
Lynn Lightbody Keller says
So sorry for your loss! Mike was a great guy and will be sorely missed. Prayers for you all!
Kelley Brown says
Mike was our landlord and one of my most favorites. He was a kind and gracious man. I think our dog Bennie is what made him decide to rent to us. Mickey described Bennie to Mike on the phone and Mike had to meet him. I think he fell in love with him recognizing what a special little dog he was. Mike was always prompt to respond any time we needed something done at our place. I always enjoyed talking with him. I always included a little note when I mailed in our rent check because it just felt weird not to. Mike told me he really enjoyed the notes so I made a point of doing it every month. I am very sad he is gone. We send our thoughts and prayers to the family. Kelley Brown and Michael Shields.
Alicia Zimmerman says
Uncle Mike and Aunt Gail were made my GodParents when I when through baptism and first communion. I love them both so much and was grateful to be blessed to have them in my life. I love you Aunt Gail and I am so sorry for your loss. Love Always Alicia
Gayle Hooper Allen says
Mike was a very special man. He will be sorely missed. Prayers for Gail and the family.
Joyce Day says
Gail & family, I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. It seems like only yesterday you were babysitting my Sean. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Leny Mason says
Mike was one of the top 10 nicest people I have known in My life, Hugs to all of His Family.
Lance Sauer says
My prayers and thoughts go out to Gail and family for your loss.