Gale Zimmel, age 89 of Shawano, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Neenah following a lengthy illness with his loving wife, Betty, by his side. Gale was born August 31, 1936, in Shawano, a son of the late Rudolph and Alice (Meisner) Zimmel. He graduated from Bonduel High School with the Class of 1954. Following high school, Gale attended Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he studied baking. He later became a master baker. Gale moved to California for a brief time, then moved to Phoenix where he went into business with his father. He left Phoenix to manage a bakery in Kingman, AZ. While in Kingman Gale met the love of his life, Betty Thode, and they were married on June 30, 1962.
The couple found an opportunity to acquire their own bakery so, sight unseen, they moved to Clintonville where they owned and operated Zimmel’s Bakery. After several years they began a new venture in Shawano and established the Perkins Restaurant which they owned and operated until retiring in 2018. When he was not working, Gale enjoyed golfing, curling, and cheering for the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers. He also loved his dogs.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Zimmel, of Shawano; his sister, Mary (Gerald) Strickland of Shawano; brother-in-law Jack (Liz) Thode of Delaware; and two nephews, Steven, and David Olson, both of Shawano. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Joyce Zimmel, and five brothers-in-law.
Services for Gale Zimmel will be announced at a later date.
Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements.
Please share online condolences at www.mickelsonfs.com.
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