Jean A. Zastrow

Jean A. Zastrow, age 86, passed away on Friday, August 21, 2015, at Cherry Meadows Hospice in Appleton, Wisconsin. Jean Allene Egner was born on December 19, 1928 in Toledo, Ohio to the late Otto and Iva Egner. Jean moved frequently during her childhood; eventually settling down in the Fox River Valley after high school. She met and eventually married the “love of her life” Wally Zastrow. They were married for over 30 years and remained friends until her death.

Jean was a social butterfly and loved chatting on the telephone. It can be said that, “Jean never met a stranger.” Jean had a passion for reading and frequented the Neenah and Menasha libraries. She read up to 25 books a month and was self-educated. Jean loved music and will be remembered for her unique singing style. Jean loved to dance and if no dance partner was available, danced by herself. Jean will be remembered as a warm, witty, and outspoken individual.

Jean loved her 5 children and enjoyed watching her family grow. She spent as much time as she could with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jean will be missed by her loving children: Peter (Sandra) Zastrow, Steve (Carrie) Zastrow, and Judi (special friend, Mark Englebert) Rodriguez; her grandchildren: Mark, Sarah, Jason, Jeremy, Justin, Clay, Grant, Katie, and Andrew and their families; 12 great-grandchildren; and her former husband and close friend until the end, Wally Zastrow. Jean enjoyed and cherished relationships with former daughter-in-laws, Karen Dawson and Jill Hughes. Jean had many friends and acquaintances, too many to mention.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Rich Zastrow; a daughter, Jan Kneip; her great-granddaughter, Alyssa; her sister, Ruth (Tony) Wolpert; and her brother, Karl Egner.

A Memorial Service will be held at 6:00pm on Thursday, August 27, 2015, at Wichmann Funeral Home-Laemmrich Chapel, 312 Milwaukee Street in Menasha. A Memorial Gathering will be held from 4:00pm until the hour of the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Schiedermayer, Dr. Kumar, and Dr. Lopez, as well as the staff at Theda Clark Hospital and the staff at Cherry Meadows Hospice, for all of the loving and compassionate care given to Jean and her family.