Barbara Zastrow passed away peacefully on Monday, April 22, 2024, in Duluth, Minnesota, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 8, 1949, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of John Ninfo and Carol Guszinski. 

Barbara graduated from Custer High School in Milwaukee in 1967. A few years later, on January 24, 1970, she married her soulmate, Larry Zastrow. Together, they made their home in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where they raised their daughter Tanya. Barb had a long career at Briggs and Stratton, dedicating more than 32 years working as a pieceworker while Larry served as a setup man. Their marriage of 54 years was a testament to enduring love and commitment. 

In 1984, Barb and Larry began building a cabin on Post Lake, which later became their permanent residence in August 2006. Their cabin has been a beloved gathering place for so many family and friends throughout the years. 

A competitive soul, Barb enjoyed playing games with friends and family, bowling in leagues in both Waukesha and Rhinelander and testing her aim in a dart league with her husband, Larry. Barb was also a dedicated fan of the Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers, always cheering them on whenever they played. 

Barb delighted in traveling to visit her daughter Tanya in the different places she lived with Acoyapa, Nicaragua, being the farthest destination. Often Barb and Larry would spend a month with Tanya taking in the area's local attractions for the holidays. 

Barb’s crochet skills were legendary among her family, crafting beautiful baby blankets, hats, washcloths, towel holders, and her signature slippers to keep everyone's feet warm on a cold night. 

Barb was the heart of every gathering, filling her kitchen with the warm scents of her cooking and baking. She was always eager to try new recipes and serve everyone her culinary creations. When she wasn't in the kitchen, she could be heard singing classic tunes, her voice lifting the spirits of all around her. Barb had a unique gift for making everyone feel welcomed and loved, and the world's worries seemed to fade when you sat at the Zastrow table. She truly was the ultimate hostess and brought joy to every gathering.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, John and Patricia Ninfo, sister-in-law Debbie Ninfo, and stepbrothers Ken and Harvey Evans. She is survived by her husband Larry Zastrow and her daughter Tanya Zastrow. She is further survived by her brother Andrew Ninfo, step-siblings: Margaret Kapis, Linda Myers, Patty (Greg) Stabbe, Dennis Evans, Susan Ignatius, Kathy Evans (and her sister-in-law Karla (Rich) Mascari, nieces and nephews: Carey Behnke (Chad, Sophie, Norah), Ross Ninfo, Tracy (Andy, Jordan Ashley) Edwards, Jason (Tricia, Ahlizah, Scotti, Sami, Oliver, Artemis) and Eric (Jenny, Ava, Nina, Braden) Mascari.