Ellen Zastrow, age 80, of Manitowoc, passed away on Saturday, March 07, 2026, at her residence.
Ellen was born May 2, 1945, in Manitowoc, daughter of the late Leroy and Dorothy (Shimek) Blimel. She attended schools in Manitowoc and graduated with the class of 1963 from Lincoln High School. On October 07, 1965, Ellen married William “Bill” Zastrow at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Manitowoc. He preceded her in death July 5, 2008. She worked at Hartman’s Town and Country Greenhouse for many years until her retirement. Ellen enjoyed gardening and spending time with family and friends. She was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish.
Ellen is survived by one son: Bart Zastrow, Manitowoc; one brother: Gary (Christine) Blimel, Two Rivers; one sister: Kay (Rick) Lantow, Peshtigo; one niece: Stephanie (Chad) Kleman, Howard; great nephew: Caleb; other relatives and friends also survive including her “short little friend”. She was preceded in death by her parents: Leroy and Dorothy Blimel; her husband: Bill Zastrow; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Edward and Leona (Heinemann) Zastrow.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026 at Pfeffer Funeral Home, 928 South 14th Street, Manitowoc. Officiating will be Deacon Al Boeldt. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Manitowoc.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer Funeral Home of Manitowoc is assisting the family with arrangements.
The family would like to thank Julie Neuman, Pauline Rusch, the staff at Jay’s Legacy, and the nurses and staff at Heartland Hospice for the compassionate care shown to Ellen.
