Obituary of Calvin Zimbelman

View Video Tribute Calvin Willard Zimbelman, longtime Burlington businessman, died July 4, 2008 at the age of 83 at the Kit Carson County Memorial Hospital. Calvin was born on September 25, 1924 on the family farm northwest of St. Francis, Kansas. He was baptized May 3, 1942. He was the youngest of eleven children born to John M. and Christina (Hoerth) Zimbelman. He attended school in St. Francis. Due to an early enlistment in the military, he did not receive his official high school diploma until May of 2002 when he attended graduation ceremonies at St. Francis High School. His graduation was held the same day as his grandson Jonathon’s – a double celebration for the family. Calvin married Dorothy Lehnherr on December 27, 1953 in Colby, Kansas. To this union, two children were born; Jay Michael and Kim Elaine. On December 7, 1944 Calvin enlisted in the Army. He served in the 4th Infantry Regiment as a Technician Fifth Grade. While in the service he saw action in Hawaii, Saipan and Japan. He was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal. Calvin was honorably discharged November 14, 1946. Following military service, Calvin used his GI Bill Benefits to attended watch makers school in Denver for thirteen months. In 1947, with $200 and the inventory that it would buy, he opened his first jewelry store in Bird City, Kansas. In 1955, the store relocated to St. Francis. In 1960, Zimbelman’s Jewelry moved to Burlington and was located in the 400 block of Main Street. In 1963, Calvin decided to construct his own building and the store was moved to its present location at 327 14th Street. Rob Lehnherr, a nephew, designed the building. Calvin semi-retired in 2007; his granddaughter Jenna continues to run the business. Burlington and the surrounding communities were good to Calvin and his family. He truly enjoyed visiting with his customers. In his lifetime, he never met a stranger. Calvin was one busy man! For 55 years he played softball, retiring at age 72. Cal loved to throw left-handed zingers that wore the young guys out. He started a DJ business in the early 90’s, enjoyed traveling in the US, bowling, gardening at the farm, helping with the harvest, playing for benefits, fishing, boating, was a supporter of Burlington sporting activities and most certainly, he was a doting grandfather at any activity or event his grandchildren were involved with. Last but certainly not least, Calvin never saw a slot machine that he didn’t love. He and his wife spent many hours pulling the handles of the “one-armed banditsâ€?. In the business community, he was a former member of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the VFW club in the Burlington and the American Legion in Bird City. Calvin was a member of the Burlington United Methodist Church, where he ushered, served on the finance committee and for many years he and his wife assisted with the Easter Sunrise Breakfast. Survivors include his wife Dorothy of Burlington, son Jay (Carol) Zimbelman of Burlington, daughter Kim (Rick) Davis of Burlington; grandchildren Amy and Jenna Zimbelman, Jonathon and Jindy Davis; great granddaughter Brittney Zimbelman; brothers Raymond of St. Francis, Clarence of Boulder and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Emil, Lydia Raile, August, Ernest, Ella Roll, Albert, Robert and Erna Schlepp. Funeral services for Mr. Zimbelman were held on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at 10:30 AM at the United Methodist Church in Burlington, with Reverend Tom Peacock officiating. Burial followed at the Fairview Cemetery in Burlington. Visitation was held on Monday, July 7, 2008 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Love Funeral Home. Memorial may be made in Calvin’s name to the KCC Ambulance Service or to the Methodist Church Kids Under Construction Project and may be left at the Bank of the West, Burlington, Colorado.