Julie Zimmerman

Julie Zimmerman

Julie Zimmerman (née Ziehmke) passed away at home on April 28, 2025, in Portage, Wisconsin after a courageous 10-year battle with brain cancer. She was 61.

Julie was born May 29, 1963, and grew up in Caledonia township, the daughter of Arlaine and Lester Ziehmke. She spent her life doing what she enjoyed most—teaching, spending time with those
she loved, and spreading joy. She taught at Lewiston Elementary for decades, shaping the minds and hearts of hundreds of children. Julie believed in every kid who walked through her classroom door—and they felt it. Outside the classroom, Julie and her husband, Bill, were fixtures at the Dane County Farmers' Market, selling fresh-cut flowers on the Capitol Square for more
than 30 years. If you’ve ever visited their stand, you’ve probably experienced Julie’s warmth. Julie and Bill marked 40 years of marriage earlier this spring—a milestone defined not only by
time, but by the love they shared and the life they built together.

Julie is survived by her husband Bill, children Chris and Lindsey Zimmerman and Tanya and Mason Cutsforth (grandchildren Olin and Remi). Her love for her children and grandchildren knew no bounds.

Regardless of her role, Julie was a force for good in the communities she touched. She will be missed immensely. Thank you to the steadfast friends and caregivers that showed up with
kindness and compassion, especially as Julie’s battle came to an end. She (and we) felt your love.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, June 28th from 10AM-1PM at 54 Merlham Drive, Madison, WI. There will be flowers, sunshine and good conversation. Please RSVP at bit.ly/4iHcisl

In lieu of donations, we invite you to honor Julie’s memory by performing a simple act of kindness in your community. Consider giving a bouquet of flowers to a stranger—something
Julie did so often throughout her life.

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Condolences

  1. Michele and Phil Ouellette says:

    We are so sorry for your loss. We love Julie and Bill and looked forward to buying flowers every week at Farmers Market. Julie is the most sweetest person in the world. Her smile and warmth made everything beautiful. Our condolences to your family. We feel so sad.
    Michele and Phil Ouellette ❤️

  2. Roger and Marilyn Dettmann says:

    We are so sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful soul in all ways. From a child to an adult, she seemed to light up the room she was in. Hope memories will help you through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Love, Marilyn and Roger Dettmann

  3. Marlene lembcke says:

    Julie and Bill often came through our drive thru at poynette McDonald’s. They would often have small bouquets for us that smelled so wonderful. We always enjoyed seeing them. We will definitely miss her beautiful smile. Hugs to you Bill. I lost my husband 4 years ago. I know your pain.

  4. Liz Fritz says:

    I am so sad to learn of Julie’s passing. For many years, Julie and I would address ALL the problems that education faces each Saturday morning at their stand. We would then exchange stories about our children.We always left with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and like many others, a hug……

    My sincere condolences to Bill. Julie was an incredible and kind person. The world is a better place because of her.

  5. Alice Lauersdorf says:

    Bill, Tanya, Chris and Family, you have my deepest condolences and my thoughts and prayers are with you. I knew Julie since she was sixteen years old through Esther Staudenmayer, my cousin, and can honestly say she was the nicest person I have ever known. Her smile was just as genuine as her soul. May God Bess You and May Julie Rest in Peace.

  6. Diane Walsh Haseleu says:

    I am so sorry for your family’s loss. May all your wonderful memories give you comfort and peace. Know she is your shining angel watching over you from heaven.

  7. Jeanne (Zwettler) Mraz & Michael Mraz says:

    We are so sorry for your untimely loss. Julie will always be remembered in our family for her sparkling smile and her generous spirit.

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