Joan “Joanie” Valeria Zastrow, 75, of Kronenwetter, Wisconsin, passed away on October 16, 2026.

Joan was born on November 7, 1950, in Wausau, Wisconsin, to Stanley and Bernice (Grzys) Leszczynski. She grew up in Mosinee and graduated from Mosinee High School in 1968. During high school, Joan served on the student council, was a cheerleader, and was her school’s Betty Crocker award recipient.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in primary education from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point in 1972. During college, she also studied abroad in Europe.

Following graduation, Joan taught at St. Michael’s Catholic School in Wausau. She married John Zastrow on August 4, 1973, in Mosinee. They shared 48 years of marriage. Joan stayed home to raise their five children. She later returned to the classroom as a substitute teacher in the D.C. Everest School District.

Joan was deeply devoted to her family. She was always there for her children and grandchildren, supporting them in school, sports, and their many hobbies. A person of faith, she enjoyed cooking, reading novels, and sharing her love of reading with her grandchildren. She brought the family together for holidays and parties at her home in Kronenwetter and planned many family vacations.

She is survived by her five children, Jason (Jenny) of Olathe, Kansas; Jack (Jennie) of Kronenwetter; Jim of Weston; Julie Lawrence (Jeff) of Marathon; and Jonathan (Becca) of Kronenwetter. She is also survived by her twelve grandchildren, Tyler, Finley, Camden, Beckett, Mason, Max, Maverick, Madilyn, Marcella, Evelyn, Raymond, and Amelia; her brothers, Richard (Rose) Leszczynski of Mosinee and Ronald (Barbara) Leszczynski of Rothschild; and her sister-in-law, Lois Leszczynski of Sauk Rapids, Minnesota.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents, Stanley and Bernice; and her brother, Eugene.

At Joan’s request, no public services will be held.

Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time.  Online condolences may be expressed at MWCS.WS