Leon Zastrow

Leon August Zastrow, 90, Town of Wausau, died Sunday, December 13, 2020 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Leon was born October 23, 1930 in Wausau to the late Theodore and Elizabeth (Dezur) Zastrow.  He grew up on the farm that has been in his family since 1881 and would be the only home that he ever lived in.  Following his graduation from Wausau High School in 1949, he honorably served in the US Marine Corps.  Throughout his life, Leon worked on the family dairy farm and for a short time had an egg route.  Leon married Ruth Zahrt on June 19, 1954 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Town of Easton.  The couple was blessed with four children: Jerelyn, Dawn, Mark and Carla.    Leon sadly said goodbye to Ruth after 62 years together on February 7, 2017.

Leon’s very strong work ethic and excellent memory served him well throughout his life. He loved his grandchildren and enjoyed reminiscing with them about farm life.  Leon was a founding member of the Easton Hewitt Wausau Lions Club, a life long member of St Stephen church where he served as usher, on the property committee and council. Also served as a Supervisor for the Town of Wausau. In his free time, he enjoyed polka dancing and playing sheepshead.

Leon is survived by his children, Jerelyn (Bruce) Weinke, Dawn (Ronnie) Felch, Mark (Leah) Zastrow and Carla Eberhardy; grandchildren, Noah Weinke, Mandy (fiancé, Jake Marcell) Felch, Missy (Mike) Behnke, Matthew Zastrow, Luke Zastrow and Raeanne Kruncos; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Shirley and DuWayne Marquardt and Beverly Zahrt and extended family and friends.  He is preceded in death by his son-in-law, Mike Eberhardy; and siblings, Florence (Leonard) Marquardt, LeRoy (Mae) Zastrow, Hazel (Arnold) Krueger and Harold (Bette) Zastrow.

Visitation will be on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at Helke Funeral Home from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM.  Facemasks and social distancing are requested by all those attending.  There will be a private family funeral service for Leon; you may watch a livestream of the service beginning at 10:50 AM on Friday, December 18, 2020 at helke.com.  Leon will be laid to rest beside his wife, Ruth, at Restlawn Memorial Park.  Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Leon’s memory.  (512 McClellan St, Wausau, WI 54403)

Leon’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to all of the health care workers who have cared for Leon over the past year.