Loran Charles Zimmerman, 64, formerly of Schoenchen now residing in LaCrosse, died Saturday, November 21, 2020, at HaysMed.
He was born September 7, 1956, in Wichita, the son of Lester C. and Lillian (Herrman) Zimmerman. He was a graduate of Thomas More Prep High School in the class of 1974 and Goodland Vocational Technical School. On October 8, 1977, he was united in marriage to Jolene M. Hertel at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Schoenchen, and they celebrated 43 years of marriage. For nearly 20 years, he was service manager for James Lincoln Mercury GMC and McLaren Lincoln Mercury GMC. In the late 90’s he built up the family farm as a rancher and farmer and later was the vice president of production for IACX. His memberships included St. Anthony Catholic Church and the Schoenchen Third Degree Knights of Columbus, where he was past Grand Knight. He was a Schoenchen City Councilman, chairman of Rural Water District One, Ellis County Fair Board President, RPM Speedway board member, and on the St. Anthony Church and Cemetery committees. He loved classic cars, watching American Pickers, K-State sports, and the Kansas City Chiefs. He looked forward to Thursday night gatherings, going to Mecum Auctions with friends, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife Jolene of LaCrosse, two sons: Lance Zimmerman and wife Andria of St. George and Kyle Zimmerman and wife Sara of Schoenchen, his mother-in-law: Delores Hertel of Schoenchen, a brother: Brian Zimmerman and wife Lori of Ulysses, four sisters: Linda Cole and husband Aaron of Russell, Bonnie Rose and husband Richard of Mobile, AL, Brenda Thyfault and husband Jim of Hays, and Shari Gale and husband Randy of Shell Knob, MO, three step-brothers: Lester Leiker and wife Jerri Ann of Hays, Terry Leiker of LaCrosse and Neal Leiker and wife Linda of Hays, a step-sister: Brenda Park and husband Dan of Olathe, four grandchildren: Lawson, Macie, Abigail, and Ellie Zimmerman, one grandchild on the way, and numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and step-father Norbert K. Leiker.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, November 25, 2020, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Schoenchen. Burial will follow in St. Anthony cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Tuesday and from 9:00 until 9:45 on Wednesday, all at St. Anthony Catholic Church. A combined Daughters of Isabella and Altar Society Christian Mothers rosary will be at 6:00 pm, a vigil service will be at 6:30 pm, and a Third Degree Knights of Columbus rosary will follow the vigil, all on Tuesday at the church.
Instead of flowers and plants, the family suggests memorials to St. Anthony Catholic Church or to St. Anthony Cemetery, in care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. Condolences and memories of Loran mare be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com