Marlene R. Zimbauer, 74, of Augusta, passed away Sunday morning, Nov. 25, 2012, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, after suffering a massive stroke.
Marlene Rae Zimbauer, daughter of Dick and Mary (Crawford) Claflin, was born Feb. 6, 1938 in Mondovi. She was raised in the Mondovi and Osseo area, graduating from Osseo High School in 1956. She was united in marriage to David Zimbauer on Oct. 27, 1956 in Waukon, Iowa. The couple had lived in St. Paul, where Marlene worked in the Brown and Bigelow factory. They later moved to Blaine, MN, where she was a stay at home mom. In 1971, Dave and Marlene purchased the Hide-Away Bar on Lake Eau Claire, rural Augusta. In 1975, Marlene moved into the city of Augusta, and at this time she worked at Lasker Jewelers in Eau Claire. She retired in 2001. Marlene loved being at home where she enjoyed sewing, crocheting and knitting, making numerous aprons, quilts and other items to give to loved ones and friends. She also loved reading, collecting books, glass wear and working in her yard and flower beds. She was extremely interested in politics and had strong democratic convictions. She especially loved her family, spending time with them and walking her dog.
She will be deeply missed by her son, Douglas and Alice Zimbauer of Augusta; 2 daughters, Mindy and Brian LeMere of Fall Creek, Missy and Clay Jerrett of Gays Mills; 2 brothers, Dennis and Emma Claflin, Dean Claflin all of Fairchild; sister, Barbara Cox of Chippewa Falls; 11 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, special friend for over 50 years, Mary Beth of St. Paul; and canine buddy, Pooh.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dick and Mary Claflin, son, Daniel Zimbauer on May 24, 1999 and siblings, Faye Erickson and Roger Claflin.
Private family services with burial will be held at a later date.