Mark Arthur Zimmerman

Mark Arthur Zimmerman 67, of Cleveland, MN peacefully passed on September 11, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer.

Mark was born on September 1, 1959, to William and Susan Zimmerman. He grew up in Cleveland before settling in the Elysian area, where his talent, hard work and determination came together as he brought to life the dream home he and Lori would share.

Early in life Mark worked at his family-owned garage and gas station, where he found his passion for cars and especially racing. Mark eventually became a carpenter and had a rewarding career at RTL Construction. Mark had a lifelong passion for cars and a 20-plus-year racing career. During those years he won multiple track championships and was a formidable competitor. The racetrack became a home away from home for Mark, where he gathered with his family and, over the years, made another family through the racing community. Racing was a sport he truly loved, and cars remained a lifelong passion that was always a big part of who he was.

Mark loved spending time in the garage, where the radio was always close by, filling the space with everything from classic rock to talk radio. He was a longtime member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, where his faith was an important part of his life. He was also a dedicated member of the Cleveland Fire Department, proudly serving his community for many years.

Mark’s greatest accomplishment was his marriage of 43 years, family, and the life they built. He was the best Dad, and he enjoyed sharing motorsports with his children and grandchildren. He was incredibly proud of his three grandsons and treasured every moment of being their grandpa. Mark was selfless when it came to his family, and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for the people he loved. His family was at the heart of everything he did.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Lori; sons, Jack and AJ (Bethann); grandsons, William and Benjamin Zimmerman and Lincoln Christensen; daughter-in-law, Megan Zimmerman; sisters, Dorothy (Gene) Traxler, Joan (Greg) Queen, Jane Sapp, and Carrie (John) Pfeiffer; sister-in-law, Julie (Kelly) Wirth, brother-in-law, Tim Schultz; along with many nieces, nephews, and many friends who loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dale; and brother-in-law, Bob Sapp.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Cleveland, MN; Pastor Liz Rossing will officiate. Mark’s family will greet guests at a visitation on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Cleveland, MN and one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Cleveland Lutheran Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Mark’s family, who will honor his memory by making gifts to organizations that were meaningful to him.