Harold L Zastrow

Harold L. Zastrow, 103, of  Fort Atkinson, entered his heavenly home on Wednesday February 26, 2025 at Rainbow Hospice Center in Johnson Creek, WI.

Born in Bartlett, Kansas on July 6, 1921, Harold was the last child out of 10 born to William and Elisabeth (Mack) Zastrow. Harold was baptized on August 28, 1921 at First Presbyterian Church in Bartlett, Kansas.

The family moved to a farm near Cambridge, WI in 1921 and he was raised there.  He graduated from Cambridge High School, class of 1939. 

Hoards Dairyman magazine featured Harold, when he was child, on the cover of many issues.

Harold served as a Sergeant in the Army Air Corps during WWII. He was stationed at various locations including: Victorville, CA, La Junta, CO, Sioux Falls, SD, Gulfport, MS, Biloxi, MS, and during WWII He went by ship to Italy and returned on a Liberty ship.   

Harold married Ida Thressa Stark on January 21, 1950.  She preceded him in death on November 25, 1989.  On October 30, 1990, he married Geraldine (Gerry) Dorothy Werfel at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Fort Atkinson, WI. She preceded him in death on September 3, 2012.

Harold was employed as a fuel oil truck driver for Simonson Oil Company for 60 years. He loved gardening his whole life. Being the pitcher for softball in the “Back 40” with the kids was another highlight in his life.  In retirement he also enjoyed gardening, watching the Brewers, Packers and Bucks and walking his dog, “Sparky”, who was his last and famous dog in the newspaper picture. He was a member of the VFW Post 1879. He was blessed to be able to go on the Honor Flight plane out of Madison, WI.

He was a member of St. James’ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Cambridge, WI until 1967 and then became a member at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson. Harold was a member of the Stewardship Committee at church.

Harold is survived by his daughter, Sally (Paul) Price, his son, David (Rose) Zastrow, his step-daughter Darlene (Richard) Heiden; and grandchildren, Arielle Ceplina (Ethan Schnur), Aaron (Mindy) Ceplina and his great-grandson Dean Harold Ceplina and great-granddaughter Jade Bethany Ceplina; also step-granddaughter Beth (Michael) Wells and their children Jackson, Avery, Leo and Evan. Also survived by David’s family: Christopher Blake Zastrow and Rose’s children James Peloquin and Natasha (Jim) Gosh and their children Nicholas & Jennifer.  He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and his special friends Debbie Kylmanen and Shaun for their daily visits and friendship. 

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, William and Elisabeth Zastrow; siblings:  Arline, Ida, Dorothy, William, Arthur, Helen, Viola, Paul and Irma; and their spouses and some of their children; his wife (Ida’s) brother Clarence Stark and his wife Marcella and their sons John & Richard and Ida’s 3 sisters Violet, Florence and Beverly and their spouses and some children.  He was further preceded in death by his step-grandson, Brian Heiden.

Special Thanks for all the special care you all have given to Harold over the years: Dr. Williams, Dr. Cannon, Dr. Powell, Dr. Paulsen, Dr. Elangovan, Dr. Glinert, Dr. Bell, Dr. Kneiert, Dr. Gobel and Dr. Eby.  And, also Mel, formerly from Interim HealthCare, Irene Weiler formerly from Interim Health Team and Interim RN’s; and everyone on the Rainbow Hospice Care Team and his caretaker Tiffany Garnica.

A Special “Thank You” also goes out to all his Euchre card playing friends and those at the Senior Center Lunch group and Meals on Wheels. Also the family would like to thank the Jefferson County Veterans Services office and the VA for all your help and support.

Harold was so blessed with the spiritual care and visits from Pastor Donald Bitter, Pastor Paul Scharrer, Pastor Michael Duncan, Pastor Matthew Vik, Pastor David Ernest and Pastor Allen Kirschbaum.  Also, Steve from Rainbow Hospice and church friends.  They really brightened up his days and time here on earth. 

A Funeral service will a take place at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Fort Atkinson, WI on Saturday, March 15, 2025. Friends may call at the church on Saturday March 15th from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Burial with Military Graveside Rites will be in Evergreen Cemetery.

If desired, memorials may be made to the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Fort Atkinson. Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com