Lyle Phillip Zimmerman, age 84 of Rochester, MN died Tues. June 29, 2010 at Season's Hospice in Rochester. Born in Rice Lake WI on Jan. 16, 1926 to Phillip and Mary Zimmerman, Lyle was one of 7 children.  He served in the Air Transport Command (US Air Force) in World War II as a radio operator and navigator aboard C-46's and C-54's, which involved travel that took him across a good deal of the western hemisphere.  He married Bernice Mae (Saueressig) Zimmerman and they celebrated their 59 ^th wedding anniversary this month.  Trained in watchmaking, and having gained experience in his father's Rice Lake watch and jewelry store, they moved to Rochester in 1951 and established a successful jewelry, gift, and watch repair business. They operated the Buckskin Shoppe in the Zumbro Hotel subway, opening a second store -The Treasure Cove in 1976. He was in business for 36 years.  Lyle volunteered for Christmas Anonymous, the American Cancer Society and Bethany Heights (transporting patients to the Mayo clinic) for many years.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Elks Club, St. Francis choir, and the parish council.

He loved his Catholic faith.  As a self-taught carpenter, he helped build and remodel his home and cabin and gift shops.  He loved birds and nature.  He enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, horseshoes, and cards.

Lyle is survived by his wife Bernice, sister Jean Hurlburt (Tug), five adult children; daughters Sheri (Casey) Taylor and Lori (Michael) Tollen, and sons Terry (Sandra), Dan (Sue), and David (Lisa);  He leaves behind 10 grandchildren; Chelsi, Lisha, Micah, Carly, John Paul, Vas, Andrey, Karina, Sara, and Hanna.  Lyle was preceded in death by his father Phillip, mother, Mary, brothers Donald, Harold and Lloyd, and sisters Eleanor and Phyllis.  A Burial Mass will be held at 11:30 AM Friday July 2 at St Francis Catholic Church, visitation beginning at 10:30 AM, reception following. Interment will be in the St. Joseph's Cemetery in Rice Lake WI at 11:30 AM Saturday July 3 ^rd , reception following at their cabin on Long Lake.

The family has suggested Catholic Charities USA, St. Francis Church, MCCL, and Season's Hospice as memorial preferences.