Kenneth Lee Zinser
Tuesday, May 5, 1925
Date of Death:
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Age:
87 years old
Tuesday, May 5, 1925
Date of Death:
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Age:
87 years old
Tuesday, May 5, 1925
Date of Death:
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Age:
87 years old
Kenneth Lee Zinser
Kenneth L. Zinser, 87, of Rochester, died Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at Sunrise Cottages in Rochester.
Ken was born May 5, 1925 in Renwick, Iowa, the son of Iva and Floyd Zinser. He attended the University of Minnesota in the Navy V12 program, graduating with degrees in aeronautical and industrial engineering. He received a commission as Ensign in the Naval Reserve in February of 1946. He joined Donaldson’s department store as a management trainee in Minneapolis in 1948, transferring to Rochester in 1953 to open the new Donaldson’s store at the Miracle Mile as assistant manager. He was promoted to General Manager of the new Southdale Donaldson’s store in Minneapolis in 1956, later becoming the General Manager and Vice President of Donaldson Golden Rule of St. Paul. He served as president of Southdale Merchants Association, and was a charter member and president of the Edina Rotary Club, and Vice Commodore of the Minneapolis Aquatennial.
In 1965 he bought Feldmann’s White House stores in Rochester. He was a member of the Rochester Rotary Club and served on the Board of Directors. In 1972 he joined Bud Freeman Hearing Aids, Inc., where he continued working until his retirement in May of 1995. He had many interests, including black and white photography, travel, and golf.
Ken married Shirley Schneider on July 12, 1947. He was preceded in death by his son, Jim. He is survived by his wife and five children: David and his wife, Linda, of Pine Island, Cheri Kramer and her husband, Warren, of Lake City, Sandy Hendrickson and her husband, Curt, of New Richland, Mary Ann Djonne and her husband, Terry, of Rochester, and Mike and his wife Barb, of Rochester. Also surviving are two sisters, Dona Goltry of Greeley, CO and Carol Maxwell of Tipton, Iowa, fifteen grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren.
A funeral Mass officiated by Rev. John Lasuba will be held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Rochester on Friday, August 31 at 10:30 am, with visitation one hour before the Mass. Memorials may be made to Lourdes High School. Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. On-line condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of Kenneth Lee Zinser has received the following condolences.
We were extremely saddened to hear of Ken's death. We lived next door to Shirley and Ken for a number of years and they were such wonderful neighbors. Ken would always like to photograph our flower garden and we have some of his terrific photos. We really enjoyed visiting with Shirley and Ken. He must have been a wonderful father, and someone whom anyone would be very proud to have known or be associated with. We were out of town and heard of his death later. Our prayers and thoughts are with Shirley and his family.
Cheri and Zinser family, our thoughts and prayers our with you as you mourn Ken's death. He was a very gracious and accomplished man, and I always enjoyed my interactions with him. May you cherish your countless positive memories of your times with him.
Years ago, when my children were preschoolers and before I
went back to teaching, I worked for Ken part time at Feldman's
at Crossroads. He was such a good man.
My sympathy to all of you.
Verlyn Bruns
It is difficult to loose a loved one. My sympathies are with you. God bless.
To All The Families,
Sorry to hear of Ken's passing. please know you will be thought of.
Rich Freytag
Rich's Southside Sevice
What a great write up - it touches many aspects of a wonderful life story. My heart goes out to the Zinser family. Jan Lieder (colleague of Mary Ann Djonne)