Marlene Wolter Zastrow

Marlene Wolter Zastrow (March 2, 1947 – March 14, 2026)

Marlene was the kind of person who made everyone feel seen and cared for. Selfless, joyful, and always ready to listen, she had a simple yet sincere answer: "What do you need?" She lived that question every day of her life.

Born the oldest of three children, Marlene grew up alongside her younger siblings, William (Bill) and Lorena (Lori). As a teenager, she spent countless days with her many cousins, creating lifelong memories and enjoying the baked goods lovingly prepared by her grandmother, Grandma Graf, who cooked for the Bay Shore Inn for many years. She attended St. Joseph's School, graduating in 1961, and later Sturgeon Bay High School, Class of 1965.

After high school, Marlene began working for Elliot Glove and later for her family's business in Cairo, Illinois. Marlene went on to build a long and meaningful career with Shade Computer Paper Company in Green Bay, where she worked for 25 years. Known for her kindness and leadership, she became a respected Human Resources manager and formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. Following her retirement in 1998, she continued working for several years at Baycare Optical Clinic, where she remained a friendly and familiar face to many.

On August 6, 1983, Marlene was united in marriage to Robert Keith Zastrow at St. Anne's Episcopal Church in De Pere. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and constant projects-remodeling their home and, years later, thoughtfully adding a first-floor suite to make it even more welcoming.

In retirement, Marlene's energy and joy only grew. She loved traveling with Rob and friends, cross-stitching with her beloved group from The Stitching Bee, and staying active with her water aerobics friends. She was deeply involved in her church, volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and treasured every moment spent with family and friends.

Marlene is survived by her husband, Rob; her son, Matthew Hendricks (Emily Taus) of Chicago, Illinois; her stepdaughter, Marie (Christopher) Brown of Cambridge, Wisconsin; and her three cherished grandchildren, Charlotte, Katherine, and Oscar Brown. She is also survived by her sister, Lori Miller, of Sturgeon Bay, and many extended family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Wolter and Dorothy Corbisier (née Graf), and her brother Bill (Kaye) Wolter.

Marlene spent her life caring for others. Now, she is free. Our work is not only to grieve, but to carry her spirit forward-to care for ourselves and for one another with the same generosity, joy, and love that she gave so freely.

A service to include a Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 18, at St. Barnabas The Encourager Episcopal Church, 2809 Flintville Road, Suamico, from 1-3 pm. Marlene's ashes will be placed at St. Anne's Memorial Garden at a later date.

Donations can be made in honor of Marlene to Happily Ever After Animal Sanctuary, 2255 Fox Heights Ln. Green Bay.

"Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord." – Matthew 25:23