Roger Bruce Zimmerman

Roger Bruce Zimmerman, age 87, of Mankato, passed away Saturday, January 27, 2024 in Mankato, Minnesota.

Visitation will begin at 10:30 am on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Northview – North Mankato Mortuary. A short celebration of life will begin at 11:30 am, followed by food and fellowship at Northview. 

Roger, the fourth of six sons, was born July 14, 1936 in North Mankato to Chester “Chet” and Myrtle (Rosenberg) Zimmerman. He was raised in Mankato and Eagle Lake, and attended school in Mankato. As a teenager, Roger began working for Continental Can (Crown Cork & Seal) and later retired after 35 years of dedicated service.

On October 11, 1958, he was united in marriage to Patricia O’Mara, and they were blessed with three daughters and one son. He was a wonderful husband and father who led by example and prioritized family time. Roger cherished his friendships, whether he was meeting his coffee group at McDonald’s, stopping to chat with neighbors while on a walk, or picking through a treasure trove of antiques at a swap meet. As one of the founding members of the Auto Restorers Club of Southern Minnesota, Roger had an intuitive eye for the value of vintage cars and memorabilia. He enjoyed restoring cars (especially early Fords), traveling to car shows, attending local roll-ins, and riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle alongside his friends. 

Left to celebrate his memory include his wife of more than 65 years, Patty Zimmerman of Mankato; children, Shelly (Mark) Lillo of Good Thunder, Lisa Zimmerman of Mankato, Barry Zimmerman of Mankato, and Kate Macgregor of Mankato; grandchildren, Jeremiah (Harriet Labs) Lillo of Mankato and Jace Lancaster of St. Paul; brother, Tom (Judy) Zimmerman of Southaven, MS; sisters-in-law, Maureen Walenski of Waterford, MI and Charlene Zimmerman of Mankato; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Bobby, Gene (Pat), Herb (Mary) and Gary Zimmerman.

The family wishes to thank the staff and caregivers at the Mayo Clinic Heart Center, Mankato Clinic, Oaklawn Healthcare Center, and Mayo Hospice.