Elizabeth Zastrow

Elizabeth Zastrow was a loving woman with a deep sense of commitment and a sincere desire to give her family her very best. Her experiences in life taught her patience, wisdom, and perseverance, traits that earned the respect of those who knew her.

The first year in a decade filled with excitement and change, 1920 saw the beginning of Prohibition, the Nineteenth Amendment granting women the right to vote, and Babe Ruth signing with the New York Yankees. The very next year, Frank and Frances (Czeskiewicz) Zielinski of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, experienced a significant change of their own on October 30 when they welcomed a baby girl, Elizabeth, into their family.

Elizabeth and her siblings, Pat, Irene, and Hank, kept their parents busy and learned important lessons about sharing and taking care of household responsibilities. Growing up in Milwaukee, Elizabeth was proud of her Polish heritage and learned to cook many ethnic dishes. As a young girl and early teenager, Elizabeth watched families, including her own, struggle through the Great Depression, and as a young woman she prayed and grieved with the rest of the world as World War II claimed the lives of millions.

One seemingly insignificant decision can change the course of a life, and Elizabeth’s choice to go on a blind date with a man named Robert Zastrow did just that. She and Robert got along well and eventually fell in love. They exchanged marriage vows on February 2, 1952, beginning a journey through life together that would last forty-eight years.

Robert was an electrical engineer and moved a few times over the course of his career. In 1968 they moved to Michigan where they finished raising their three precious children. Elizabeth was a loving, supportive mother and made sure that her kids knew she was there for them. Later, when grandchildren joined the family, she showed the same enthusiasm and concern for them.

Elizabeth endured the loss of her dear husband in July of 2000. She took comfort in her children and grandchildren, finding joy in holiday gatherings and other visits. Elizabeth was a talented cook and loved to prepare all kinds of food, including occasional Polish dishes such as sauerkraut and biscuits. She liked to play bridge and was happy when she had a hot cup of coffee nearby.

Elizabeth never looked for praise or thanks for what she did. She knew the importance of family and appreciated the simple things in life. Her example of sincerity, humility, and loving service will continue to inspire those who follow her for years to come.

Elizabeth died on Friday, October 5, 2007. Members of her family include her three children: Denise Postula of Portage, Donna and her husband Tom Dunn of Otsego, and David and his wife Anita Zastrow of New Jersey; seven grandchildren: Courtney, Kyle, Jason, Nick, Jared, Tyler, and Christopher; and a sister, Pat Zielinski of Milwaukee.

Funeral services will be held at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Milwaukee at noon on Tuesday, October 9. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services. Please visit Elizabeth’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you may share a favorite memory or photo or sign her online guest book. Memorial contributions to Wings of Hope Hospice are appreciated.