Jim Zinsli

    James “Jim” Lawrence Zinsli, former Holyoke resident, died Jan. 17, 2017, at his home in Mesa, Arizona. Jim was born Oct. 7, 1935, in Beach, North Dakota, the son of Raymond and Hertha (Trester) Zinsli.
    In 1956 he married Jean A. McAllister, and he later married Delores Austin of Holyoke in 1997. Jim shared his time between Holyoke and Mesa.
    He was dubbed “The Modern Day Abe Lincoln” by the QC Times for his firewood business in 1970. He also worked for many years at Frandsen Excavating and then opened his own business, Midwest Battery and Metal, in 1979. He retired in 1995. Jim enjoyed fishing, gardening, raising flowers and golfing.
    He was preceded in death by his parents; his wives, Jean Zinsli and Delores Zinsli; and seven siblings.
    Jim will be deeply missed by his children, Bob Zinsli and wife Judi of Jacksonville, Florida, Linda Zurborg of Davenport, Iowa, Kathy Seibel and husband Gary of Davenport, Deb Walker and husband Bruce of Hilliard, Ohio, Lisa Critchfield of Davenport, and Brian Zinsli and wife Sayuri of Davenport; stepsons, Jim and Mary Austin of Ovid and Dan and Deb Austin of Windsor; 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; seven siblings; and numerous extended family members and friends in Colorado.
    A visitation service was held Jan. 28 at Cunnick-Collins Mortuary in Davenport. Per his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial Mass was offered Feb. 3 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Holyoke.
     Memorials may be directed to a charity of the donor’s choice.