Joyce Zastrol

Dr Joyce Ruth Zastrow went to her heavenly home on March 12, 2020 after a short illness. She was born February 27, 1929 In Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Leonard and Edna (Breitwisch) Zastrow. Upon discovering music at an early age and blessed with an extraordinary soprano voice she dedicated her life to performing and teaching music. After graduating with High Distinction from Valparaiso University with her BA, she went on to earn her Master of Music Degree with Distinction from Indiana University and later her Doctor of Music Arts in voice from the University of Illinois. She also did advanced studies at the Berkshire Music School, Aspen School of Music, the Conservatoire Americain in Fountainbleau, France and the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria. Her musical experience included leading roles in several operas and musical productions including Mozart's The Magic Flute and The Marriage of Figaro as well as appearances as a solo recitalist and in oratorio throughout the Midwest. After teaching at Luther College, Iowa; the University of Minnesota; and Oberlin Conservatory, Ohio, Dr Zastrow was appointed to the faculty of Western Michigan University's School of Music in 1962 where she taught private voice, diction, song literature and vocal pedagogy. Her students won local and regional contests and went on to sing at the New York City Opera, The Metropolitan Opera and in leading roles on Broadway as well as to teach at major American Universities. After her retirement from WMU in 1991 she served several terms on the Emeriti Council. She was an active member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and a founding member of the Michigan chapter where she served as President, She also served as Governor of the Great Lakes Region and on the National Board as Vice President for Memberships and Admissions. Additional activities included serving as adjudicator for the Michigan State Vocal Association, the Metropolitan Opera and various other contests. She was a member of the Outreach Board of Directors for Opera Grand Rapids and served as President of the Kalamazoo Association of Retired School Personnel. Other professional affiliations included Pi Kappa Lambda, Phi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Iota, and Mortarboard. In her free time, she enjoyed gardening, golf, traveling the world, cross country skiing and tending to the needs of her cat(s). She was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church. Joyce was predeceased by her parents, her brother Roy Zastrow and sister-in-law Ida. She is survived by two nieces, Ellen Woodal and Sally Hosty (both of Missouri) and a nephew, Larry Zastrow (Texas) and many dear friends who will deeply miss her. A Memorial service will be held Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at 11:00 am at Zion Lutheran Church 2122 Bronson Blvd. Kalamazoo, MI 49008. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church Endowment Music Fund; the Joyce R. Zastrow Vocal Scholarship, School of Music, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo; or Valparaiso University Music Department, Indiana. To view Joyce's personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com