Tracy Jo Zimmerman

Tracy Jo Zimmerman, 73, of Grand Rapids, Minnesota began his journey home on February 18th - passing away comfortably at home where he wanted to be with his family and beloved pets after a prolonged and courageous battle against multiple myeloma.

After a childhood along the North Shore of Minnesota, he followed his three older brothers into military service, enlisting in the United States Army in 1971. After more than twenty years serving both foreign and combat deployments (Vietnam War, DMZ and the Gulf War), he retired and returned home to Two Harbors, MN in 1993.

He met his future wife and best friend Pauline, marrying, and returned to school completing a degree in English and History studies at Bemidji State University graduating with a Bachelor of Arts. He was passionate about giving back and helping others who struggled with chemical dependency and mental health; he served as an ARHMS worker in St. Louis and Itasca counties prior to retiring.

He loved his home, his family, especially when he became a grandfather of four grandchildren and one great-grandson. He loved his animals, a joy that he shared not only with his wife, Pauline but also passing that love of animals down to his children.

Tracy was a proud tribal member of the Grand Portage Band of Ojibwe. He enjoyed spending time in Grand Portage moose hunting with his brothers, son, cousins and elders. He continued the Ojibwe tradition of storytelling, often sharing family stories, and teachings with his children, many nieces, nephews, and those lucky enough to join a campfire up on “the land”. He was known for his surprisingly quick wit and humor by his family and close friends, often leading to further banter and head shakes. His humor was always showcased around family and during “friendly” cribbage games at the table.

Not only was he a skilled storyteller - he was an avid reader with over 5000 books in his library. He enjoyed rummage sales with his wife, children and cousin and godmother looking for that hard to find book to add to his treasured collection that he had worked on for over twenty years. He often enlisted others to help him find books that he could cross off his list.

He is survived by many friends and spoke of them often, especially his treasured life long friends Paul Iverson, Dale Moe, Bryce Wallace, Scott Wistrom, and Jim Widen who were a source of great love, joy, and humor.

He is preceded in death by his parents Orlaine Jo Woodard (mother) and Theodore Zimmerman (father), his brother Thane Woodard Zimmerman, his godmother Nancy Needham, and his beloved cocker spaniel Molly. He was also preceded in death by many uncles, aunties, and cousins.

He will be greatly missed and his presence will forever be felt by his wife, Pauline Marie and his children, Alexia Zimmerman, Pennie (Dan) Bourgeois, Sam Zimmerman / Zhaawanoogiizhik, and Shawn Thomas; his grandchildren, Michael Deuschle, Autumn Bourgeois, and Jackson and William Thomas; and great grandson, Corbin. He is also survived by his brothers Terrell and Timothy (Chris) Zimmerman, his sister in law, Thea (Thane) Zimmerman, and beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

His celebration of life will be held at Cavallin Funeral Home in Two Harbors, MN from 2-4 PM on Friday May 15, 2026. Private graveside gathering will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery in Grand Marais.

Tracy will also be honored at the veterans’s memorial flag raising during Grand Portage Rendezvous Days grand entry, August 8th.

To share a memory or leave an online condolence visit www.cavallinfuneralhome.com.