Richard A Zastrow

In Memory OfRichard A. Zastrow Richard August Zastrow was born on April 20, 1927 in Cordova, Nebraska, the only child of August and Carrie (Noler) Zastrow, and passed away on Monday, March 29, 2010, at the Exeter Care Center in Exeter at the age of 82 years 11 months and 9 days. Richard was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church and was a life-long member, serving in many different roles for the Church. He attended and graduated from Cordova High School with the class of 1944. Richard married Annette Sommer on December 4, 1949 in Cordova at St. John's Lutheran Church. To this union three sons, David, Gary and Steven, and two daughters, Cindy and Mary were born. Following graduation, he became a life-long farmer in the Cordova area. He enjoyed raising pigs and earning prizes and ribbons for showing them. Richard loved spending time on the pig show circuit - touring the surrounding states and of course talking. There was never a person he didn't talk to and with him no one was ever a stranger (one time even getting locked in the show building - too busy talking to notice everyone else had left). Richard later went to work at Yost Brothers Lumber Company eventually becoming an owner till they were sold. From there he went to work at other lumber yards in Seward and Crete. While at Yost Brothers he designed many of the homes, buildings and churches in the surrounding area. He was an active member of the Cordova Community once he became a city dweller serving on the city council for a number of years. One of Richard's main joys was his grandchildren who he was extremely proud of. He also enjoyed woodworking, telling a good story (well some not so good) and working in the garden. He also enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, and just sitting and talking. Richard enjoyed spending time on his computer, exploring the world, reading newspapers from around the country, and maintaining contact with his family. One of his favorite games was (touched you last) when trying to leave. He has truly touched each and everyone of us last as he will never be forgotten. And Dad we won't take any wooden nickels!!! He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Annette, Cordova, children and spouses, David and Sheri Zastrow, Phoenix, AZ, Cindy and Max Jordan, Abu Dhabi, Arab Emmerites, Steve, and Sue Zastrow, Omaha, Mary and Joe Horky, Fort Collins, Co, nine grandchildren and spouses, Brad Zastrow, Kelly and Andrej Ciric, and Tim Zastrow, Alex and Erin Jordan, Adam Jordan and Meredith Jordan, Lindsey Zastrow, Tyler and Tia Horky, two great-grandchildren, Andrej Ciric and Rachel Jordan, and a many other relatives and friends. Richard was preceded in death by parents, August and Carrie Zastrow, son, Gary, granddaughter, Sara Jordan and grandson, Ryan Zastrow. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 1, 2010 at St. John's Lutheran Church, in Cordova with Rev. Brian Tuma officiating. Interment will be in Zastrow Cemetery, Cordova. Visitation will be Wednesday from 1-9pm with family receiving relatives and friends from 6-8 pm at Lauber-Moore Funeral Home, Friend. Viewing Thursday 9am-noon at funeral home and one hour prior to service at the church. Memorials have been established and may be directed in care of the family. Pallbearers are his grandchildren, Brad, Tim, and Lindsey Zastrow, Kelly Ciric, Alex, Adam, and Meredith Jordan, Tyler and Tia Horky. Honorary pallbearers are Gerald and Bernard Lutz, Willard and Bobby Zastrow. Velma Lutz accompanied the congregation as they sang "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" and "On Eagles Wings". Pastor Arnold Jurchen sang "What A Friend We Have In Jesus".