Marvin H. Zastrow

Marvin H. Zastrow, 95-year-old resident of St. Cloud, MN, formerly of Little Falls, MN passed away Thursday, August 14, 2025 at The Good Shepherd Community in Sauk Rapids, MN.

A Funeral Service was held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church in Little Falls with Rev. Brandon Johnson officiating. Burial took place at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery north of Little Falls. Visitation was from 9:30 AM to 11 A.M. on Tuesday at the Zion Lutheran Church in Little Falls. Military Rites were be conducted by the Minnesota State Honor Guard. Caring for Marvin and his family is the LeMieur Funeral Home in Little Falls, MN.

Marvin was born to Edwin and Meta (Toedley) Zastrow on January 7, 1930 in Long Prairie Township, MN. He was baptized into the Lutheran Church and confirmed his faith as a young man. Marvin married Marlys June Goertz on April 10, 1955 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Long Prairie, MN. Throughout his life, he was devoted to his Lord serving his church in various capacities over many years including church board positions, attending National Synod conferences and directing the choir at Zion in Little Falls for 34 years. His faith saw him through many of life's challenges, especially once he became totally blind at the age of 81. Marvin graduated from Long Prairie High School and earned his bachelor and master degrees in teaching from St. Cloud State University. Before beginning his teaching career, he was drafted in the United States Marine Corps, serving from 1952-54. He taught briefly in Edmore, ND and Winnebago, MN before moving to Little Falls, where he taught from 1956 until his retirement in 1990. He also served on the Morrison County Fair Board, Little Falls City Library Board and, in retirement, was a volunteer for Horizon Health, Meals on Wheels, and Linden Hills Estate.

Marvin is survived by his wife, Marlys of 70 years; daughter, Debra Zwiefelhofer (Lee), Houlton, WI and sons, Eric (Amy), Wylie, TX and Gregg (Teri), St. Cloud, MN; grandsons, Gage, Grant and Ryan Zastrow; brother, Gary Zastrow (Diane), Long Prairie, MN; sisters, Madella Bous (Robert), Inver Grove Heights, MN and Ardis Forer, Hibbing, MN; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Zastrow, Long Prairie, MN and Ruth Ann Zastrow, Sauk Center, MN; brother-in-law, Verneal Goertz (Pauline) of Eau Claire, WI; along with many nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends.

Marvin has been reunited in heaven with his parents; brothers, Donald and Edwin; sister, Norma Kitzman; sister-in-law, Bernice Zastrow; brothers-in-law, Ivan Kitzman and Gordon Forer; and nephews, Bruce Kitzman and Larry Zastrow.

Marvin lived his life for faith, family and community and was always ready to help others. He especially enjoyed summer at the cabin, gardening and fishing. He will be missed, but we find comfort in knowing he is now with his Lord and Savior.