Obituary of Linda E. Zimmerman

Linda E. Zimmerman age 69, of Yankton, SD passed away at her residence with her family by her side on June 2, 2015. Memorial services will be 2:00 PM, Saturday, June 6, 2015 at Riverview Reformed Church, Yankton, SD with Rev. Rod Veldhuizen officiating. Visitations will be one hour prior to the service on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at the church. The Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory, Yankton, SD is assisting with the service details. Linda passed away quietly following her long battle with cancer. At this time we can take the time to cry for the woman, the disease she endured, and the broken hearts that loved her. It would be wrong to only remember her as Linda Zimmerman, the woman battling cancer; it would deny the best portions in ourselves - the ones she nurtured and inspired. Linda was born December 7, 1945 in Yankton, SD to S. Sherman and Bernice L. Collett (Van Osdel). She grew up in Gayville, SD with her ten brothers and sisters. Linda loved to tell stories of growing up with a large family in a small town. Linda married Ronald Zimmerman on February 11, 1966. She was a stay at home mother for many years who raised seven of her own children, as well as numerous neighborhood extras. If life was a song, she sang it loud and proud. Some people will remember Linda for her cooking. She was always willing to provide everyone with a good meal. She loved to bake and would bring treats to whoever she thought needed a pick-me-up. Others will remember her pay it forward attitude with the blankets she sewed to keep them warm. Linda worked part time jobs at Hickory Farms, Jo Ann Fabrics, Gurneys and Hy-Vee, to name a few. People knew her for her ready smile, accepting heart and generous nature. Linda is survived by her loving husband, Ron, her daughters: Sandra (Craig) Jaton, Kristine (Gary) Huchtmeier, Debora (David) Schmidt, Traci Drobny, Julie (Todd) Gunderson, Robyn (Jeremy) Ball; son, Ron (Sara) Zimmerman; 16 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; plus 1 more due in July. As well as extended family, so many we can't mention you all. Just know you are loved. Family was her pride and joy and everyone she knew was "family". She has gone to be with those who went before her and will watch over those she left behind. Linda will always be in our hearts and in that part of our conscience telling us we should know better. A beloved woman is gone and we mourn our loss, but she would want us to celebrate her life.