Kristi Ann (Lambertz) Zimbelman, 53

On Friday the sixth of July, 2012, “the Lord called Kristi Zimbelman home to rest in her eternal garden.”  

Kristi Lambertz was born July 10, 1958, to Edwin and JoAnn Lambertz in Sioux Falls, S.D. After graduation from Washington High in 1975, she moved to Great Falls to live with her brother David.

Her love of arts and crafts led her to learning draperies, a profession continued when she moved to Kalispell. In 1979, Kristi opened her own drapery business called A Touch of Class, which she operated until the mid-1980s.

With her fierce independence and love of freedom, she graduated magna cum laude with an Associate of Applied Science degree from Flathead Valley Community College in 2000. She worked briefly in the medical field, but her free spirit drove her to once again start her own business and "Granny's Kettle Corn" was born. She was able to live free and chase the sun.

While in Great Falls, Kristi met Larry Zimbelman. Their first date was decided by a game of pool. Kristi and Larry were married in July 1978 in Kalispell. Their son Adam was born Dec. 3, 1979, followed by son Jonathan on March 11, 1981.

Of the many joys Kristi had, family was the most important to her. She was a fantastic mother, and in 2009 she became a loving grandmother. She developed an incredibly special bond with her first grandchild Blaine, and she had plans of revisiting Montana to be there to welcome her newest grandchildren.

Her passions in life were many, but second only to family were nature and, later in life, spirituality. When it came to anything living, Kristi could make it prosper. Everywhere she went she left gardens in her wake. Although she will be missed, we are confident wherever she is it will always be in full bloom.

Kristi was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and JoAnn Lambertz.

Kristi is survived by her sons, Adam and Cassie Zimbelman of Austin, Texas, and Jonathan and Erin Zimbelman, and grandson Blaine, of Kalispell. She has two more grandchildren due in September; sisters, Jean and Tom Berry of Rapid City, S.D., Cheri and Tom Camp of Watertown, S.D., and Patti and Joe Snow of Crest Hill, Ill.; brothers, David and Kathy Lambertz of Sioux Falls, S.D., Daniel and Ella Lambertz of Lake of the Ozarks, Mo., and Thomas and Marti Lambertz of Sioux Falls, S.D.; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 18, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home, 1890 U.S. 93 North. A celebration of life get-together will follow from 4 to 8 p.m. in Lone Pine State Park. Kristi will be laid to rest in Hillside Cemetery in Conrad.

 Memoral donations may be made in Kristi's name to her brother Tom Lambertz' Benefit. Checks can be sent to Tom Lambertz Benefit, 7005 East 26th St., Sioux Falls, S.D. 57110.