Brian Carl Zimpelman, 62, passed away in the early morning hours of March 5, 2026 at home in Cedarburg, WI surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 25, 1963, in Milwaukee, WI to the late James Zimpelman and Dorothy (Jeranek) Zimpelman. Brian grew up in Richfield, WI, and attended Hartford Union High School, Class of 1981. Out of high school, he became a diesel mechanic and later on in life became a CDL license tester.

Brian was united in marriage to Karen (Petersen) Zimpelman on June 18, 2005, at Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Richfield, Wisconsin.

Brian's hobbies included motorcycles, and he took memorable trips, including Alaska. A stop in Montana sparked his love of shooting prairie dogs. Brian was an avid hunter and spent much of his time in what he lovingly called his “adoptive home,” Brockway, Montana. While there he could always find a good steak dinner at the BS Club. Brian became something of an unofficial local and formed many friendships that will continue to keep his memory alive, along with his vast knowledge of McCone County. His other hobbies included fishing and grilling out for his family who he loved dearly.

Those Brian leaves behind to cherish his memory include his wife of 21 years, Karen (Petersen) Zimpelman; two sons, Reese Zimpelman, Zachery (Fiancée Claudia Prinsen) Zimpelman; his step daughter, Leisha (Dan) Dimoff; and his granddaughter, Marie Dimoff. He is further survived by his brother Allen (Evelyn) Zimpelman; his sister Eve Zimpelman; his brother-in-law, Ed Nowak; and many nieces and nephews. Brian was preceded in death by his parents, James and Dorothy Zimpelman, and his beloved sister, Charlotte “Tina” Nowak.

Brian was deeply loved by his family. They would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of St. Croix Hospice for allowing him to pass peacefully at home. A special thank you also goes to the two individuals that lead Brian and Karen to Dr. Jason Rubenstein and Dr. Joshua Mesken, whose care made it possible for Brian to have 13 more wonderful years with his friends and family. The family is also grateful to the many healthcare staff who treated Brian with great respect and compassionate care.

Visitation with the family will be held on Sunday March 22, 2026 at Philip Funeral Home from 12:00pm to 1:45pm with the service to follow at 2:00pm to 3:00pm. Philips Funeral Home 1420 W Paradise Drive, West Bend, WI 53095

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in honor of Brian Zimpelman to one of the following:
St. Jude Children's Hospital
https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?frequency_selected=0&dedication=1&sc_dcm=137187317494&sc_cid=kwp&sc_cat=b&frequency_selected=1&dedication=1&&&&&gclsrc=aw.ds&ds_rl=1285465&ds_rl=1291300&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17681678597&gbraid=0AAAAADuyZN6dgTn8pbYrGRJHMer5DWfGE&gclid=Cj0KCQiA2bTNBhDjARIsAK89wlGa0oZsdKY5Ou360vU1QqSxjrjkE_VLduWtbCN8FDvuF_QGa2bl__AaAkeuEALw_wcB
Oconto River Kids
https://www.ocontoriverkids.com/volunteer