1917
Lucille
2009
Lucille Zastrow
March 9, 1917 — September 15, 2009
On September 15,2009, Lucille (Lucy) Zastrow ended her journey after 92 years of life to join her beloved Herbert in the next world. The past two years since Herbie’s death were especially hard for her. They were married for 67 years and were only separated by illness over that period of time. Her tenacious hold on life was released with dignity and hope. Today, Lucy and Herbie rejoice together again in the presence of their Lord and Savior.
Lucille (Lucy) Zastrow born March 9, 1917 daughter of John and Rose (Gesicki) Myszka in Poniatowski, WI. She resided at 1240 Merrill Avenue, Wausau, until the time of her death.
As a young girl, Lucy and her brothers and sisters kept life interesting with their tricks on each other. In the 1930’s, she moved to Wausau and did housekeeping for a living. Lucille met Herbert W. Zastrow in 1939 at a dance when they danced their first polka; and they were married on Sept 2, 1939. Lucille worked at Marathon Electric from 1937 to 1942 during the depression years; and from 1959—1979 at Wausau Homes were she supervised the meticulous housekeeping of the Model Home village.
Lucille was a soft-spirited woman, who knew how to keep you on your toes. She knew all the national political leaders, though she didn’t give a hoot about politics. She knew the life history of her favorite soap opera stars; as though they were close relatives. She could recite relationships from second cousin to distant niece anywhere from Poniatowski to Athens to Wausau, without fault. She loved reminiscing about the hard times and all the people who journeyed into her path over the years. Her mind was razor-sharp even to her final days.
For some people a flower or vegetable garden is the focus of summer toil and fun. But for Lucille, her flower and vegetable gardens were her companions and friends for over 50 years. She talked to them; she fed them and nurtured them; and they responded with blossoms and abundant produce. This is what she missed most when she moved from her country home to the city about 10 years ago. Lucille’s green thumb came naturally. Even during recent winters, her Amaryllis flower was the envy of all. It blossomed profusely on her windowsill and was the talk of many of her visitors. She combined her garden with her love of cooking. From her kitchen came delicious meals using the produce and recipes from her farming days. She made everything from homemade sausage, to wine, to sauerkraut, and herring, often reminding us of her cherished Polish heritage.
Lucille’s legacy will be her flowers and her love for her grandchildren and family. Her grandchildren, Jalane and Chad, were always first in her priorities and her heart. She nurtured them as every grandmother should by baking their favorite treats; encouraging frequent sleep-overs, and even taking Chad’s Beagle, Bojangles, into her home where pets were never allowed. Into their adult years, she continued this elusive bond. Lucille left us with the reminder that love, though not often spoken in words, lives through silent demonstrations of caring.
Lucille is survived by her son, Gary Lee (Nan) Zastrow, Wausau and one grandchild, Jalane, Weston. Also surviving are two sister-in-laws, Helen Graveen and Delores Bliese, both from Wausau; a brother-in-law Emil Machel, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceeded in death by her husband, Herbert in 2007 and grandson, Chad in 1993. She was also preceeded in death by seven brothers: Raymond, Clem, Frank, Walter, Mike, George and John Myszka; and three sisters: Regina Wisneski, Mary Schulz, and Eleanor Writz.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 18, 2009 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau. Reverend Gary Schultz will officiate. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
A special thank you is given for the caring staff of nurses, physician assistant and physicians who provided care for her at Aspirus Wausau Hospital in Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
Lucille (Lucy) Zastrow born March 9, 1917 daughter of John and Rose (Gesicki) Myszka in Poniatowski, WI. She resided at 1240 Merrill Avenue, Wausau, until the time of her death.
As a young girl, Lucy and her brothers and sisters kept life interesting with their tricks on each other. In the 1930’s, she moved to Wausau and did housekeeping for a living. Lucille met Herbert W. Zastrow in 1939 at a dance when they danced their first polka; and they were married on Sept 2, 1939. Lucille worked at Marathon Electric from 1937 to 1942 during the depression years; and from 1959—1979 at Wausau Homes were she supervised the meticulous housekeeping of the Model Home village.
Lucille was a soft-spirited woman, who knew how to keep you on your toes. She knew all the national political leaders, though she didn’t give a hoot about politics. She knew the life history of her favorite soap opera stars; as though they were close relatives. She could recite relationships from second cousin to distant niece anywhere from Poniatowski to Athens to Wausau, without fault. She loved reminiscing about the hard times and all the people who journeyed into her path over the years. Her mind was razor-sharp even to her final days.
For some people a flower or vegetable garden is the focus of summer toil and fun. But for Lucille, her flower and vegetable gardens were her companions and friends for over 50 years. She talked to them; she fed them and nurtured them; and they responded with blossoms and abundant produce. This is what she missed most when she moved from her country home to the city about 10 years ago. Lucille’s green thumb came naturally. Even during recent winters, her Amaryllis flower was the envy of all. It blossomed profusely on her windowsill and was the talk of many of her visitors. She combined her garden with her love of cooking. From her kitchen came delicious meals using the produce and recipes from her farming days. She made everything from homemade sausage, to wine, to sauerkraut, and herring, often reminding us of her cherished Polish heritage.
Lucille’s legacy will be her flowers and her love for her grandchildren and family. Her grandchildren, Jalane and Chad, were always first in her priorities and her heart. She nurtured them as every grandmother should by baking their favorite treats; encouraging frequent sleep-overs, and even taking Chad’s Beagle, Bojangles, into her home where pets were never allowed. Into their adult years, she continued this elusive bond. Lucille left us with the reminder that love, though not often spoken in words, lives through silent demonstrations of caring.
Lucille is survived by her son, Gary Lee (Nan) Zastrow, Wausau and one grandchild, Jalane, Weston. Also surviving are two sister-in-laws, Helen Graveen and Delores Bliese, both from Wausau; a brother-in-law Emil Machel, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceeded in death by her husband, Herbert in 2007 and grandson, Chad in 1993. She was also preceeded in death by seven brothers: Raymond, Clem, Frank, Walter, Mike, George and John Myszka; and three sisters: Regina Wisneski, Mary Schulz, and Eleanor Writz.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 18, 2009 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau. Reverend Gary Schultz will officiate. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
A special thank you is given for the caring staff of nurses, physician assistant and physicians who provided care for her at Aspirus Wausau Hospital in Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
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