On April 14, 1940, Zimmermann was born in Shasi, Hubei Province, China.

In 1980, Zimmermann earned a master of divinity degree from Concordia Seminary in Clayton, Missouri.

[1][2][3] In 1968, Zimmermann became a commercial pilot for Trans World Airlines, until his retirement in May 1995.

[7][2] On November 3, 1998, as an incumbent, Zimmermann won the election unopposed and continued serving District 8, seat A.

[8][1] In April 2014, at age 74, Zimmermann became a pastor of Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Ontario.