LaVonne Kay Putz Zimmer, 78, of Arcadia, passed away suddenly on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at her home.
Vonnie was born in Arcadia on April 26, 1948, to Wilmer and Erna (Hertzfeldt) Putz. From a young age, she played music for the Harmony Pals, the Putz family band. This passion turned into the Harmony Gals! She played as the drummer and lead singer alongside her sisters. She played for countless weddings, events and family bashes. Vonnie also enjoyed cooking and was always in the kitchen. She was passionate about hosting every holiday and spent many hours preparing Thanksgiving, Easter and Christmas dinners. She loved baking cakes, bars and tons of other treats; and of course, her famous goulash.
Vonnie loved to document everything. She always had her camera, phone or tablet ready to capture every special moment. Her face lit up when the whole family was together. She cherished family Christmas when the whole family took turns picking and opening gifts. She loved hosting family bashes; watching the whole family dance laugh, sing, and of course, eat all her treats! Vonnie also had a great passion and life-long love for riding, handling, and caring for horses. She loved being with all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved singing lullabies, reading books and playing games. She kept every project, photo and piece of artwork. Everything was special to her!
After being swept off her feet after he asked her to dance, Vonnie was united in marriage to Daryl “Tony” Zimmer in Winona on September 9, 2000. Together the couple shared years of love, companionship and family memories.
Vonnie is lovingly survived by her husband, Tony; children: Larry (Bonnie) Sobotta, Lacroy (Shelley) Sobotta, James (Sheri) Haines, and Kimberly (Brian) Cyrtmus; grandchildren: Kodi Haines, Jessyka Klingel, Katelyn (Josue) Olmos, Bryce (Kristen) Wells, Halle (Jake) Rotty, Dalton (Katie) Cyrtmus, Leah (Austin) Petchsen, Madison Haines, Miley Cyrtmus, Dustyn Cyrtmus, Emmilynn Cyrtmus, Sara Sobotta, Jacob Ware, Madison Ware, Allison Gohmann and Kyle Gohmann; great-grandchildren: Octavia Edington, Hazely Haines, Elliana and Avery Weaver, Gabby Olmos and Lainey Rotty; brother: Wilmer (Tammy) Putz; sisters: Marlene (Merlin) Klebig, Luanne (Randy) Mueller, and Mardelle (Bruce) Arnoldy; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Wozney-Killian Funeral Home, Arcadia. A funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. with Reverend Jon Cox officiating. Burial will follow at the Fountain City Public Cemetery.
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