Dixie Lee Zastrow

Dixie Lee Zastrow, age 90, Tomahawk, was welcomed into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the evening of April 11, 2024. Born December 31, 1933 to William and Alice (Scheller) Garlow in Rib Lake, Wisconsin, she grew up on a farm in Spirit, attended Spirit Falls Grade School, and graduated from Rib Lake High School in 1952.

God brought Leander (Andy) Zastrow and Dixie together at a roller skating rink and they were united in marriage May 31, 1952 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Tomahawk, two weeks after she graduated high school. They resided in Tomahawk and were blessed with four sons.  She was so proud to be their mom.

Through the years, Dixie was employed at the Ben Franklin, the Dr. W. I. Macfarlane dental office, Tomahawk Power & Pulp Company, Bake-Rite Baking Company and Wisconsin & Michigan Timber Producers, and she also served as an advertising representative for the Tomahawk Chamber of Commerce.

Immersed in her community, she, along with Andy and close friends, were the founding organizers of YesterFest and Music on the River. She was a member of the Tomahawk Ambassadors, Tomahawk Main Street Design committee, and Tomahawk Area Historical Society, where she served as president for many years. She wrote and published three books, two with Andy and a third with another society member. She established a local chapter of The Compassionate Friends support group following the death of their son Craig in 1977.

She found great joy in hosting large family gatherings as well as entertaining friends in her home, decorating, and organizing events for the Historical Society and others. She and Andy visited most of the states, especially enjoying Hawaii and Alaska, as well as their trip to Japan. 

Dixie was a member of Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, Tomahawk, where she served on the Evangelism and Social Fellowship Committees and the Ladies Guild. She cherished her church family.  

Survivors include Andy, her beloved husband of nearly 72 years, and their three sons   Kevin, Tomahawk, Kyle (Francy), Rhinelander, and Kirk (Becky), Tarpon Springs, FL & Tomahawk.  She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren Adam (Ben), Natalie, Ryley (Lori), Maddie (Bobby), Kate, Elise and Logan as well as three great grandchildren. She has been reunited in heaven with her son Craig, parents, sister Sandra Gustafson, and many other family and friends, and awaits her loved ones.  

Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Redeemer Ev. Lutheran Church, Tomahawk with Pastor Mark Gass officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 19, 2024 at Krueger-Nimsgern Funeral Home, Tomahawk and on Saturday, April 20th from 10:00 a.m. to time of service at 11:00 a.m. at church.  Burial to follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church or the Tomahawk Area Historical Society.

Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.nimsgernfuneral.com

Krueger-Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Service is assisting the family.