News: Loyal (Citizen of the Year – 2017)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Zimmerman, Roedl, Brice, Roe

Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, WI) – 12 Apr 2017

A man who caters to Loyal souls and a couple who takes care of the sweet tooth were honored last week at the Loyal Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet.

Rev. Dan Zimmerman of Trinity Lutheran Church received the Chamber’s annual citizen of the year recognition. The awards were given on April 6 at the Loyal American Legion.

Zimmerman is celebrating his 20th year as pastor of Trinity Lutheran. Former citizen of the year honoree Elroy Roedl presented the award and said this year’s recipient not only filled his obligation to serve his congregation, but went “well beyond what is expected.”

Zimmerman has multiple community involvements beyond his church duties. He serves the Loyal Food Pantry, is involved with the annual Interfaith Volunteers of Clark County clean-up project, and has helped start the House of Mercy shelter for people without homes. He was recently elected to another 3-year term on the Loyal Board of Education, supports the local music boosters organization, and has been a speaker at the high school’s Veterans Day program. Along with Rev. Steve Brice of St. Anthony Catholic Church and Rev. Patsy Roe of the Loyal United Methodist Church, Zimmerman has kept alive the tradition of the ecumenical church service on the Thursday evening of the Loyal Corn Festival in August. He has also recently added pastoral duties at Zion American Lutheran Church in Granton.

Zimmerman and his wife, Peggy, have three sons -- Luke, Ben and Zach.

“This was a surprise. I was not expecting it at all,” said Zimmerman, who was lured to the annual Chamber banquet under the guise of saying the invocation before the meal. He thanked his congregation for its support, the community, and God.

“I do feel humbled. I do feel honored and I thank you for this,” he said.