On the late morning of April 8th, 2024, Ted Charles Zimmerman passed away at Fort Harrison Medical Center in Helena, MT after a five year battle with pancreatic cancer. Ted was 72 years old. Ted was born on November 16, 1951 to Donna Olson Zimmerman Grace and Fred Zimmerman, at St.Johns Hospital in Helena, Mt.
Growing up, Ted lived in Clancy, MT where he attended elementary school. In Clancy, Ted and his siblings stayed busy hunting, fishing, and riding motorcycles. Ted graduated from Jefferson High School in 1970. After graduating, Ted immediately enlisted in the United States Navy where he spent four years on active duty.
Upon returning state-side, Ted moved to Lewistown MT, working as a lineman for the Montana Power Company. While in Lewistown, he met the love of his life, Karen Vergason. Ted and Karen were married August 11, 1979 in Clancy, MT. They later made their home in Helena at Hauser Dam where Ted worked as a hydro operator for Montana Power and later PPL for 32 years.
Throughout his life, Ted was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed doing anything that involved being outside. He was involved with Walley’s Unlimited, fished all over the state, and won various tournaments with his trusty fishing partner, Karen. Family vacations always included trips to lakes, and National Parks. He especially enjoyed the Gun Museum in Cody, Wyoming. Ted also enjoyed shooting trap at the Helena Trap Club. Other things Ted enjoyed were hunting, shooting, hanging out at the family cabin, gardening, canning, re-loading, and spending time with his family.
Ted was preceded in death by his father, Fred Zimmerman and his mother, Donna Olson Zimmerman Grace.
Ted is survived by his wife, Karen Zimmerman of Helena, children, Jennifer (Brian) Helmbrecht, and Casey Zimmerman of Helena. Sister, Barbara (Bill) Townsend of Helena, Brothers David Zimmerman of Frenchtown, MT, Jim Zimmerman of Montana City, and Jeff (Kera) Zimmerman of Potomac, MT. Grandchildren Caden Helmbrecht, Allison Zimmerman, Brianna Helmbrecht, Julianna Zimmerman, and Josiah Zimmerman all of Helena. Ted especially loved spending time fishing, gardening, foraging in the forests for berries, and shooting with his grandchildren.
The family wishes to give special thanks to all of the dedicated medical staff at Fort Harrison for their excellent care of Ted through the course of his illness.
A graveside service with military honors will be held 3:00 p.m. Monday April 15, 2024 at Forestvale Cemetery. Following the graveside service a Celebration of Ted’s life is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Helena Trap Club, 5505 N. Montana Avenue.
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
3:00 p.m.
Monday April 15, 2024
Forestvale Cemetery
Veterans Section
Helena, Montana
Celebration of His Life
3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday April 15, 2024
Helena Trap Club
5505 N.Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
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Eldon Slaughter says
Rest In Peace Prairie shipmate, smooth sailing.
Steve Sampson says
One of the best men I knew. Always a pleasure to spend time with him as he was always willing to share his vast knowledge of shooting and fishing. He will be missed.
April Fife says
Karen, Jen, Casey, and all of his loved ones. My heart breaks for you all. Ted was a great guy. We will always have good memories of him. Times at the cabin were especially fun and memorable. He always treated us like we were a part of his own immediate family. He fought hard. We will miss him. Love you all.
April and Kirk
Marilyn & Bob Maphies says
We are so sorry to hear about Ted’s passing. I grew up with Ted and his family in Clancy and enjoyed seeing him every chance I could. We will miss the service as we are still in Arizona but our hearts go out to Karen and the family.
Rest in peace Ted in that big fishing hole in the sky.
Glen Lisa Briese says
Sorry to hear Karen and family, many of days catching walleye with you two!! What a great fisherman rip Ted.
Patty Daugaard says
Thinking of you Karen and family so very sorry to read of Ted’s passing. I seen him not to long ago and talked to him. Have a memory still in my mind of him and Casey fishing on hauser lake many years ago. Rest in peace Ted
shelley parmer says
Karen so sorry to about Ted. sending, prayers and hugs.
Nanette Hicks says
Sending prayers and comforting hugs to all of you. He’ll forever stay close as think of all the good memories you shared. ♥️
Shannon Williams Clark says
Karen, Jennifer, Casey,
I’m so sorry to hear about Ted! I have so many memories of all the sleepovers with Jennifer, and Ted taking us fishing or ice skating on the lake. He was a good man and what an honor it was to be a part of your family. I love and miss you all!
Wayne Schottler says
We lost a good one. What a super interesting and a good guy to associate with. Had many memorable times traveling and shooting together at trap shoots he always had a positive attitude toward everything even in his latest struggle with cancer To Karen and family my thoughts are with you. Farewell to a good friend
Paul Scappaticci says
Fair Winds and Following Seas Ted(Zip) my Brother Sailor and Shipmate Rest in Peace my Friend. My deepest sympathy to the Zimmerman Family God Bless.
Sharon Grace says
Dear Zimmerman Family, I was so sorry to hear of Ted’s passing. He was like one of our family. Spent a lot of his growing up years working on motorcycles in our back yard. Got to visit with him at Clancy Days last summer and enjoyed it so much. Take care and know that thoughts and prayers are with all of you 💕.
Terry McArdle says
Glad we got to visit one last time my old friend. We covered a lot of miles together..Boat shows, fishing trips,oce fishing, hunting trips, Walleye banquets, etc. Fishing in Washington. Saskatchewan, and all over Montana for over 40 years. I was proud to know you and to be your friend. You were a good man, and everybody who knew you agreed on that. I miss you now and I always will. On our last. visit I was lucky enough to tell you I loved you, buddy. R.I.P., Ted
Karen Maehl says
Karen and family, my sincere thoughts and condolences for the passing of Ted. He was such a nice guy and Carl thought so much of him as a worker, friend and fisherman. Treasured memories.
Mike Foley says
Sure going to miss the cabin visits , the hunting stories , the gun talks, long rides in the hills in the side by side, and oh boy, sharing those Shasta cream sodas. Sure going to miss you my friend. My heart goes out to Karen and family.
Debbie Powley says
Our condolences to the family at this time. We remember Ted from the Helena Gun Club. He was such a kind,good humored man! Our prayers are with you all!
Steve and Debbie Powley