LINCOLN (SNR) - Father John Zastrow, 97, a retired priest of the Diocese of Lincoln, died Feb. 2.
A priest 65 years, Father Zastrow was the last priest of the diocese who was a veteran of World War II.
Zastrow was born May 2, 1924 in Dakota County. After graduating from Emerson High School he served as a navigator on a B-29 in the United States Army Air Corps. During World War II he flew 35 bombing missions in the Pacific theatre, all before he was 21 years old.
Ordained May 31, 1956 by Bishop John Paschang, Father Zastrow served in a host of parishes and schools across the diocese. He served as assistant pastor of St. Mary Cathedral in downtown Lincoln, and was then appointed to graduate studies in education at Creighton University where he received a master’s degree in education.
In 1961 he was named principal of the newly formed Aquinas High School in David City. He was appointed superintendent of the newly constructed Bishop Neumann High School in Wahoo in 1964, a position he held for 11 years.
Father Zastrow also served as pastor of the parishes of St. Joseph in Colon; Immaculate Conception in Rulo; St. Mary in Arago; Sacred Heart in Shelby; St. John in Cambridge and St. Germanus in Arapahoe. His last pastorate was All Saints Parish in Holdrege and St. John in Smithfield where he served for 15 years. He retired from the active ministry in 2000 and resided at Bonacum House for retired priests in Lincoln.
In an interview with the Register last spring, Father Zastrow reflected on his 65 years as a priest.
“I like the idea that I’m doing something for God and his people,” he said, adding “it’s a good life.”
Bishop James Conley and priests of the Diocese of Lincoln celebrated a funeral Mass for Father Zastrow Feb. 7 in the Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery. Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home handled arrangements.
Father Zastrow is survived by a sister Catherine Cassidy, brother Lawrence, and nieces and nephews.
