Anne Zimanske

March 11, 1957 - May 30, 2025

Anne Marie Zimanske, age 68, of Lonsdale, MN, died peacefully with her family at her side after a 3-year valiant battle with Ovarian Cancer on Friday, May 30, 2025. Anne was born on March 11, 1957, in New Prague, to LeRoy and Martha (Havlicek) Svoboda. She attended St. Wenceslaus Catholic School and was a 1975 graduate of New Prague High School. She completed her education with an Associate Arts Degree in Social Services from Willmar Community College. On an evening in 1977, Anne would find herself the subject of a little bit of mischief. Out with friends in Little Chicago, MN, Anne would discover that her car had “trouble”. Little did she know that Dale Zimanske’s buddies had disabled her car so that Dale could appear the “hero”. It worked! She and Dale were married on September 12, 1981, at St. Wenceslaus Church in New Prague. Her career started at a preschool in Lydia and was interrupted when she became Mom! When her two children entered school, Anne returned to work as a special education paraprofessional in the New Prague School District, an occupation which she loved and accented her gentle, kind, and compassionate personality.

Anne’s greatest priority was her family, caring for both her children and grandchildren in her home and cherishing any time spent with them. Shopping trips with Katie became a cherished tradition. She was strong, nurturing, and thoughtful and always up for a bit of fun! She was the go-to person for her friends, the Chicas, classmates from St. Wenc and NPHS, having a gift at being able to recall all the fun stories from their days at St. Wenc and High School, generating laughter and comic reproductions of teacher personalities! Her love of traveling started at an early age with family road trips, then a special trip with her mother and sisters to the Czech Republic, trips to Mexico and cruises, wine trips, visiting family in Colorado, and especially cruising in the Corvette with Dale and her favorite dog of the year, most recently Dolly. She inherited her mother’s skills in the kitchen, noted for her great cooking. She especially enjoyed her times out with the “Wine-Nots”, a group of six women, who enjoyed laughter, fellowship, and, of course, wine! In her solitary, quiet time, Anne enjoyed puzzles of all kinds, crossword, Wordle, Sudoku. Her kindness, gentle nature, care and compassion, and that glint that let you know that there was an interesting story containing just a bit of mischief under the surface will be missed by all who knew her.

Anne is survived by her loving husband, Dale of Lonsdale; children, Andrew (Ashley) Zimanske of Prior Lake, MN, Katie (Dennis) Hanson of Lonsdale; grandchildren, Addison & Arya Zimanske, John, & Clara Hanson; sisters, Donna Svoboda of Lakewood, CO, Margaret Warnemunde of Burnsville, MN; brother, John (Mary Heil) Svoboda of Denver, CO; very special dog, Dolly. She is preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law, Francis “Fran” Warnemunde.

A Service of Remembrance will be held Friday, June 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in New Prague with Rev. Dr. Joy K. Bussert Presiding Pastor and Reverend Diane M. Goulson as Assisting Minister. Enter the church through Door 2. Visitation will take place at church from 9:00 – 11:00 AM and lunch will be held in the church social hall after the service. Private family burial will occur at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to any of the following organizations: Crescent Cove, Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance, CaringBridge, Mayo Clinic.

Service will be live-streamed on Holy Trinity"s live-stream:

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Jean Gerold
28 days ago

Anne was an incredibly kind and caring person and I’m so glad I got to know her. I am so sorry for your loss.

Cousin Lorrie
1 month ago

Dale and family, My sincere condolences to all. Anne was such an incredible person. May the memory of her give you peace. You will be in my prayers during this difficult time. My love and hugs to you.

Elizabeth Bennett
1 month ago

Dale and family, my deepest sympathy. Anne was a very special person a true friend, honest, trustworthy, and loyal. I have great memories of Anne, bonfires in your back yard, and being Katie’s Girl Scout leader. We can always think of Anne and it will fill our hearts with love laughter, and comfort. Rest in peace Anne.. 

Linda Havlicek
1 month ago

My deepest sympathy to you Dale and your family. It pains my heart knowing how terrible cancer can be. My prayers to you during this difficult time.
Linda Havlicek

Nancy Fierst
1 month ago

Our deepest sympathy goes out to you Dale and your family on the loss of your loved one Anne.Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May the beautiful memories of Anne fill your hearts with peace, comfort and love. May God bless!! Nancy and Randy Fierst

Dan & Jennifer Oxborough
1 month ago

Our Daughter Sarah was a special education student and Anne worked closely with her for her high school years. Anne was wonderful, joking and laughing with Sarah; she was equally as good at getting Sarah to work hard and learn! She will definitely be missed by our family and especially Sarah. Pur prayers to you at this difficult time

Jean & Doug Zimanske
1 month ago

We are going to miss our “sista”. Many memories of this gentle soul who had a twinkle of mischief in her eyes, smile and laugh. She was a trooper and a warrior throughout her cancer journey. We mourn, but rejoice that she is now in the warm embrace of Jesus and all who greeted her at heaven’s gate. We will honor your memory all the days of our lives. Love you always, dear sweet Anne, and also love and peace to Dale, her constant caregiver and forever companion, and also to the rest of her immediate and extended family and… Read more »

Lisa Brinkhaus
1 month ago

We are so sorry to hear this news. Anne worked as a para with our daughter and was so kind. We pray that your family is given comfort during this time.

Tom Sirek
1 month ago

Deepest sympathies to you all.

JANE MARIE SASINEK
1 month ago

Ann was one of the first neighbors that we met. Us Krazy kid

Adair Svoboda
1 month ago

I am saddened to hear of Anne’s passing. She had such a beautiful kind and gentle soul. Sending my heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.

Dotty VonBank
1 month ago

The family of Anne have our sincere sympathy, may she rest in peace

Wendy Fadden
1 month ago

I have fond memories of working with Anne during her time as a para at the current Falcon Ridge building. She was never without a smile and took extreme care with the students. I’m very sad to hear of her cancer battle and passing. Rest in Peace, Anne.

Patricia Kathleen Scanlan
1 month ago

Patricia Scanlan

Patricia Kathleen Scanlan
1 month ago

She was a very lovely person and mom

Patricia Kathleen Scanlan
1 month ago

I am very sorry you’re loss

Lenny and Charli Bastyr
1 month ago

So sorry for your loss such a beautiful lady taken way to soon. Hugs and prayers Dale and family.

Diane Nerud
1 month ago

My sincerest condolences. Anne was an inspiration to many and will be missed by many. Prayers for Anne’s family for comfort and peace.

Roger and Sue Odegard
1 month ago

Our sincere condolences, Dale, and to your family. Her smile was contagious.

John Slavik
1 month ago

Anne was a lovely, lovely person.

Judy and Russ Gebhardt
1 month ago

Such a nice person prayers for her family

Lisa ONeill
1 month ago

Anne was one of the first person our family meet in 1990 when we moved to New Prague. Such a kind wonderful person. Her laugh and smile will always be with me

Kathy Sticha
1 month ago

Condolences to the family and her close friends. Anne was a special lady with a beautiful smile and a very kind heart. RIP sweet Anne we will remember you always. ❤️

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