Donovan Zastrow

Donovan Zastrow, 45, from Steger Illinois, passed away on the 26th of July at the home of his sister, Terry (John), in Watertown, Wisconsin after a brief battle with cancer. Donovan was born on November 21, 1973 in Watertown, the son of Fred and Barbara (Reynolds) Zastrow. When Donovan first learned of his diagnosis, he gave it to the Lord and said “whatever God’s will is, I accept”. Donovan will always be remembered as being steadfast and gentle in all he did. No Thanksgiving meal started without Donovan leading the family prayer; thanking his Lord and Savior. When his journey with cancer first began, he was in the hospital unable to speak, he then wrote on a piece of paper “Please thank the surgical team”. This is who Donovan was, and this is how he should be remembered. He was kind and gentle, thoughtful and deliberate in all he did and he will be missed dearly by many.  He loved his students immensely and loved that the Lord led him into teaching.  Donovan was a 1992 graduate of Lakeside Lutheran High School in Lake Mills, WI and a 1997 graduate of Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN.  Donovan taught at several WELS grade schools including in Winona, Mn; Appleton, WI and Lake Mills, WI; before taking his final divine call at Illinois Lutheran high school in Crete, IL for the last 15 + years.  Donovan was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Crete, IL during his life there.  Donovan is survived by his father Fred (Rose) Zastrow, Brothers, Daryl (Wendelin) Zastrow, Dayne (Angie) Zastrow; Sisters Terry (John) Dietrich, Tammy (Domingo) Iglesias; step siblings April (Wally) Kurtz, Amber (Jason) Steindorf, Allana (Kevin) Brunk and many Aunts and Uncles, Nieces and Nephews. Donovan was preceded in death by his Mother, Barbara Jean Zastrow and grandparents.  Donovan’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Rainbow Hospice Care (especially Jonas, Kalee, Emily, Natalia, Jody, Jodi B, Taylar, Sheila and Megan). Dr. Joseph M. Lach and his team from Illinois, Dr. Gustafson and his oncology team from Illinois, fellow teachers and friends, neighbors, church members and others from Illinois who helped Donovan with household tasks and doctor appointments. We are eternally grateful.  Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church in Crete, Illinois, Illinois Lutheran High School in Crete, Illinois, Rainbow Hospice Care, Lakeside Lutheran High School, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, or the charity of your choice.

A funeral service for Donovan will be held on Friday, August 2, 2019 at 11:00am at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church with Rev. Peter Wells presiding. A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2019 from 4-7pm at the Pederson-Nowatka Funeral Home in Watertown and also Friday morning at 10:00am at the church until the time of service. Burial will follow the service at Glenview Memorial Gardens.