Leslie Robert Zimmer

In remembrance of Les Zimmer (Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather) we will be hosting a Celebration of Life in his honor on Saturday, August 14th, 11:00 am at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Sacred Heart, Minnesota, with visitation starting at 10:00 am. Following the service, we will be offering lunch in the reception hall for everyone to gather and help us celebrate a life well-lived. The Zimmer Family Leslie “Les” Robert Zimmer was born on February 11, 1927, in Sacred Heart, MN, and passed away peacefully, at the age of 93, surrounded by family, on January 5, 2021, in Encinitas, CA. It was often said of Les, “Still waters run deep.” Les was not a man of many words, but when he spoke, it reflected the character of the reliable, practical man that he was. A hard worker all his life, Les started driving a truck for his father at Zimmer Trucking Company of Sacred Heart, MN, when he was 15 years old. He met Alice "Ali" Johnson, the daughter of the local quarry manager for whom he hauled rock, and they were married on October 28, 1950, in Echo, MN. In 1965, Les and Ali moved their four kids to Fridley, MN, and their youngest child was born there. Les drove for a local trucking firm which allowed him to be involved with his children’s activities and events. When they retired, Les and Ali bought a home on Horseshoe Lake near Brainerd, MN. In their early retirement years, they traveled south by RV during the winters, and Les spent his summers tending his lawn and gardens. Les and Ali spent many winters in their second home in Arizona where he grew exotic plants, succulents, and cacti. In 2014, they settled in the San Diego area where he spent his last years. Even into his 90’s, Les enjoyed feeding the birds, watering his plants, and enjoying many meals on the patio with family. Les was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Gladys (Oslund) Zimmer, and his siblings Jerry, Rosemary, and Gene. Les is survived by Ali, his wife of 70 years; his children Steve (Julie) of Stillwater, MN, Anne (Tom) of Encinitas CA, Bob (Jill) of Brooklyn Park, MN, Pat (Peggy) of Rogersville, MO, and Tom (Kerry) of Ames, IA, who all appreciated the sacrifices, support, and counsel of their father. Les was an encouraging grandfather to ten grandchildren and great-grandfather to seven great-grandchildren. It is the request of the family that donations may be made to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Sacred Heart, MN.