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