Clarence “Lyle” Zimmerman, 94, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026 at Simpson Memorial Home surrounded by his loving family.

Lyle was born on October 16,1931 in Iowa City to Clarence and Loretta Zimmerman. He was a veteran of the United States Army and served in Korea. Lyle married Elizabeth “Betty” Wieskamp on June 12, 1956 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in West Liberty. It would have been their 70th Anniversary this June.

Lyle is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” and their children, Brenda (John) Strief, Iowa City, IA, Gail (Bob) Rosencrants, Naples, FL, Gary (Chris) Zimmerman, Encinitas, CA, Karen (John) Hart of West LIberty, IA. Their grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Ryan, Kyler, Tatum Strief, Iowa City, IA, Cathern (J.P.) Pulverenti, Omaha, NE, Jeff Strief (Tom Racette) Rutland, VT, Sarah, Dan and Will Bonefas, Des Moines, IA Joanna McNurlen (Jacob Perlstein), New York, NY, Maria, Austin, Annabel Steil, Waukee, IA, Allison Zimmerman, San Diego, CA, Blake Lathrop, Cedar Rapids, IA and Anna (Jonah) DeRoos, Bettendorf, IA And two sisters: Trish Rohret, Cosgrove, IA, Janet (Jim) Volk, Tiffin, IA

Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Lowell Gene and (wife) GeeGee Zimmerman and Brother-in-law, James Rohret.

Lyle was a man who believed in hard work (with an overriding sense of urgency) and had a broad skill set.

After Korea, Lyle owned and operated the Ford Dealership & Garage in Sumner, Iowa. But Lyle’s most gratifying work was as a drainage contractor doing farm/field tiling all over eastern Iowa. Later he farmed their own land, sold plastic drainage tile for ADS, sold real estate for Barn Realty, and built homes for All American Homes. When he “retired” he scoured the internet for used tractors, drove for miles to pick them up, fix, restore, repaint and return or sell.

He was dedicated to the West LIberty Community. He belonged to the West Liberty Catholic Church, Lion’s Club, Knights of Columbus, and served on the West Liberty School Board and West Liberty City Council and the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Council. He donated an iron children’s carousel to the Heritage Foundation, it can be enjoyed at The West Liberty Heritage Depot Park. He drove in The Great Eastern Iowa Tractorcade for many years, and cherished the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in 2018.

Lyle’s family wants to thank the staff, his caring nurses and CNA’s at Simpson Memorial Home.

Memorial Donations can be made to Simpson Memorial Home.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for Friday, May 8th and Saturday, May 9th at The West Liberty Catholic Church and Parish Hall. Details to follow.