Bret Alan Zimmerman

Bret Alan Zimmerman, 63, of Danville, Indiana, passed away at his home on September 28, 2026.

Born on February 11, 1963, Bret was the son of James Zimmerman and Sharon West. Danville was his home, and he graduated from Danville High School in 1981. Bret loved to recall his high school years, during which he was a talented long-distance runner, a wide receiver for the football team, and undoubtedly a fun guy to hang out with. He fondly remembered his nickname, “Zipper.”

Bret was highly skilled at his trade of tool and die making. He was a country boy at heart and a self-proclaimed hillbilly. From a young age, he loved spending time outdoors hunting, trapping, fishing, camping, and mushroom hunting. He was hilarious and always a great source of entertainment, bringing great stories, great music, and a unique sense of humor that people just gravitated toward.

In 1982, Bret married Dana Root (Zimmerman), and together they raised their three daughters. Bret shared his love for the outdoors, old country music, competition, and being the life of the party with his daughters. He taught them all how to fish, hunt for mushrooms, and how to have fun. He enjoyed coaching them in softball and served as the president of the Danville Girls Softball League for several years. He loved watching his daughters in their various activities, and if anything they always knew he was proud of them. As a family, they spent a lot of time camping; he was known to claim his own campsite, marking it with the name “Cool Bean Corner.” He loved visiting Big Walnut Creek and waded it many times with his daughters in tow.

Over the years, he became known for many things, including his mullet hairdo, his signature hat, his boots worn on the outside of his jeans, his leather jewelry, his quick wit, his ability to find trouble, and his charm. He had many friends and will undoubtedly be remembered as the center of many good times in his community. Yet, the memories of his young family and his girls when they were small were a great source of joy that he clung to for the rest of his life, and what he would most like to be remembered for.

Bret knew both great joys and deep pain throughout his life. He cared deeply and carried many heartaches that were difficult for him to overcome. While he often struggled to find peace in this world, those who loved him find comfort in knowing that he is now at rest. Bret was a Christian and was baptized at Northview Christian Church many years ago.

Bret is survived by his daughters: Andreah (Dave) Caldwell (and grandchildren Creek and Riggs), Abbie (Matt) Morgan (and grandchildren Cole, Cody, Clay, Casey, and Carissa), and Alli (Kyle) Ritter (and grandchildren Matt, Taylor, Olivia, Kali, and Brooks). He is also survived by his mother, Sharon West; his brothers, Tommy (Jane) Roark, Eric (Lori) Zimmerman, and Jamie (Kim) Zimmerman; his sisters, Brenda Dawson and Jennifer Cleary; many nieces and nephews; and his lifelong best friend, Kelly Winkler, who was steadfastly in his corner through all of life’s highs and lows. Bret was preceded in death by his father, James Zimmerman, and his brother, Mike Zimmerman.

Memorial services will be held at 6:00 PM, Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Northview Christian Church in Danville, IN, where friends are invited to gather with the family from 4:00 PM until the time of the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are encouraged to the Nature Conservancy. 

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Eric MD Bell Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hendricks County. All are encouraged to keep the family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time of loss.