Verla Zimmerman

Minot

Verla M. Zimmerman, 86, Minot, passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Trinity Hospital in Minot.

Verla Mae Traiser was born August 12, 1938, the daughter of Ira and Florence (Johnson) Traiser, in Drake, ND. She was raised on the family farm north of Drake, ND educated in Drake, graduating from Drake High School in 1956. Following high school, she moved to Minot and began working at Dakota Drug and later at American Lifestyles until her retirement.

She married Maynard “Buster” Oothoudt on May 2, 1959. They made their home in Minot and were blessed with three daughters, Vonda, Kari, and Noni. Buster and Verla enjoyed summers at their lake cabin at Long Lake. Verla always enjoyed playing cards and eating snacks with her daughters and granddaughters. She also enjoyed her weekly lady’s poker group. Buster passed on July 15, 1999.

Verla married Neil Zimmerman June 16, 2000. They made their home in Minot.

Verla was a member of St. John’s Confraternity and a member and past president of the Catholic Daughters of Americas. Some of Verla’s volunteer work included her involvement in the Adopt-A-Highway cleanup program. Verla and Neil also worked on behalf of Native Americans, collecting items during the year and transporting them to area reservations–a project initiated by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.

Verla and Neil were invited to join the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, a Catholic order of knighthood under the protection of the Holy See. Formed in 1099, its primary function is to support the Christian presence in the Holy Land. Verla and Neil traveled in the interests of the order and took other trips as well. Their favorite was a pilgrimage to Medjugorje.

Verla and Neil moved to Somerset in 2015. Neil passed on September 6, 2020. Verla continued to live at Somerset where she loved to visit with her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Verla enjoyed “happy hour” parties in her chair, eating candy on Fridays.

Her loving family includes: daughters, Vonda (Curt) Clark, Kari (Arden) Glick, Noni (Tony) Geer; Neil’s daughters, Dawn (Ed) Hoy, Cheri Bladholm, Stephanie Zimmerman-Childress; grandchildren, Breann (Beau Nelson) Reader, Rayme (Chase) Haggin, Alec (Dylan) Hildenbrand, Jessi (Bryan) Swang, Jenni (Michael) Beadle, Jami (Chris) Sison, Jordyn (Josh) Brown, Jacy (Brian) Knorr, Tia (Brady) Olsen; 15 great-grandchildren, sister, Faye (Terry) McCarty; brother-in-law, George Gilfus; sisters-in-law, Agnes Traiser, Betty Oothoudt, Marlys Oothoudt, Nonie Mosvick, Sharon Bossert; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Buster; husband, Neil; brothers, Dave Traiser, Irving Traiser; sister, Verna Gilfus; numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Visitation: Friday, February 14, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Vigil Prayer Service: Friday at 6 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Private Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, February 15, 2025, at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Minot. Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND. Memorials: are preferred to Bishop Ryan Catholic School.

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, February 14, 2025.