MIDDLETON - Laura Jean Zimmerman, age 70, of Middleton, passed away on Monday, December 8, 2025, at UW Hospital and Clinics. She was born on July 6, 1955, in Neenah, the daughter of Roman and Geraldine (Ciske) Zimmerman.

Laura graduated from St. Mary’s Central High School in 1973 and later earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a focus on the arts. She met her future husband, Joel Warnick, at a political event in 1973 and the two were married on February 20, 1988.

A lifelong art enthusiast, Laura continued to pursue creative work as a hobby long after her formal studies. Her interests ranged from making jewelry to creating block printing cards - including Christmas cards - and many art forms in between. She also loved reading, watching old movies and murder mysteries (including British ones), as well as sharing good meals-whether dining out or hosting gatherings at home, especially many beloved Halloween celebrations.

Laura dedicated three decades of service to the people of the State of Wisconsin. She worked at the Wisconsin State Capitol as an assistant to several Senate Sergeant-at-Arms.

Adventurous at heart, she also loved to travel and take cruises. Laura and Joel completed a world voyage in segments after retiring. She particularly enjoyed crossing the Atlantic from New York to Southampton, England. In her younger years, she spent time in London as a nanny, an experience she fondly remembered throughout her life. During that time, she formed life-long friendships. There were other trips to the UK and the European Continent as well. She was a true Anglophile.

Throughout her life, her warm and loving personality made it easy to form long-lasting friendships. For those of us who knew and loved Laura, the pain in our hearts will not easily - if ever - cease. But Laura is resting now, free from the pain this life can bring. The void she leaves cannot be filled.

Laura is survived by her beloved husband, Joel; brother-in-law, John; and many other family, friends and relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roman and Geraldine.

Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. A private burial will take place at Natural Path Sanctuary - Farley Center in Verona.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Public Broadcasting Service, Planned Parenthood or Pheasant Branch Conversancy. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

A special thank you to the UW Hospital Clinics (Highland Avenue) ICU nurses - especially Mel - as well as Dr. Nathan Sandbo, Dr. Bryan Swanson and staff for the loving care given to Laura.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761

Laura Jean Zimmerman

July 06, 1955 - December 08, 2025

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