Lonnie Zimmer

Lonnie A. Zimmer
Lonnie Allen Zimmer of Grantsville, Utah, beloved husband, brother, father, uncle, “papa” and friend, returned to our Heavenly Father on Sept. 20, 2011. On Tuesday morning Lonnie lost his courageous battle with brain cancer. Since 2006, Lonnie has been suffering from neurological side effects of his cancer and in June 2008 he had his first of three brain surgeries. His next surgery was in June 2010 and the most extensive was his final surgery in March 2011. He brought joy to all of us with his wit and humor through this trying time. Family and friends have always admired Lonnie’s ability to face adversity straight up and head on. Many of us would have quit if we were faced with what he has been through. Lonnie’s strength and fortitude is what the rest of us look up to.

Lonnie was born on Jan. 28, 1952 to Milton and Helen (Fisher) Zimmer. He graduated from Powder River High School in Broadus, Mont., in 1970. Then he attended Miles Community College on a basketball scholarship. He married Kaylene (Talcott) Carlson, in Reno, Nev., on March 20, 1999.

Lonnie worked in construction for various employers in Broadus, Mont., and Sheridan, Wyo. He worked at the VA Medical Center in Sheridan, Wyo., from 1989 until his retirement in 2008. In September 2009 he and his wife moved to Grantsville, Utah.

Lonnie enjoyed fishing, golfing, wood working, and spending time with his family and friends. His athletic ability, whether on the floor, diamond, field, or bass pond is something most of us only aspire to equal. His granddaughter Oaklynn brought him a lot of joy the last three years as he was in and out of the hospital. She was always by his side helping Papa.

Lonnie was preceded in death by his mother and his father, and his brother in law, Eddie Huckins. He is survived by his wife Kaylene and two step daughters Megan Carlson and Kirsten (Damon) Carter and one granddaughter, Oaklynn Carter. He is also survived by his siblings, Darold (Sylvia) Zimmer of Broadus, Mont.; Darline Huckins of Yachats, Oregon; and Sally (Bob) Hagedorn of Volborg, Mont., and several nieces and nephews and many friends and loved ones who will miss him greatly.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m., at the Tooele Christian Fellowship meeting location, Stowe Family Music, 40 N. Main St. in Tooele (between Vine Street and Utah Avenue. Please use main entrance at the rear of the building on Garden St. where there is plenty of parking).

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Lonnie Zimmer, can be made to the “Building Fund for Tooele Christian Fellowship” at P.O. Box 702, Tooele, UT 84074 or the Huntsman Cancer Hospital in memory of Lonnie Zimmer: www.huntsmancancerfoundation.org or Huntsman Cancer Foundation, 500 Huntsman Way, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108.

Didericksen Memorial of Grantsville is entrusted with final arrangements.