Zelda M. Droster

Although we were 2nd cousins she was like a 2nd mom to me! I have wonderful memories of us talking for hours late at night. I loved her so much! Wrapping everyone in prayers during this difficult time. My heart is heavy but rejoicing she is no longer suffering. Her HUGE, loving heart will be missed!

In 1974, how cool did you have to be to get a Ford Mustang for your 17 year old daughter to drive around in? The answer to that is: you would have to be Marvin and Zelda cool. What a great couple. What an amazing family.

Aunt Zelda will be greatly miss. My thoughts and prayers are with you! Love , Connie Droster Hutton, Blaise and Amanda Greco, Rachel Hutton

“It’s a Wonderful Life.” She had a wonderful life and she created wonderful lives all around her. My life would have been like George Bailey’s without Zelda in it. I was blessed to have soaked up Zel’s wisdom over my time working with her (in the early 80’s) and her friendship over the decades since that time. Her patience for a first-time supervisor was only surpassed by her sense of humor. Even under immense pressure at the end of the month, Zelda always had a smile and was encouraging. She created a pencil drawing of me and when she was upset, she would stick a pin in me. If you made a mistake, she would take a rubber band and slap your hand, and we would all laugh. She was a tremendous mentor who taught me the value of mistakes and how we learn from them (and often laugh at them). At the time of my departure, Zel framed the photo and retired the pin and rubberband. To this day, the frame sits on my desk. One of my other favorite memories gave me incredible peace of mind and that was the little envelope. I was dating someone from Wisconsin Rapids. During a conversation, she discovered that I was traveling without any money. She took a $20 bill out of her wallet, folded it into a tiny square and sealed into a coin envelope. She tucked it into the back of my wallet. Every Monday, when I tried to return it, she would tuck it back in my wallet. This game continued every week until I moved to Wisconsin Rapids…when she finally let me return the envelope. Zel and I chatted a couple days before Christmas. It was a lovely conversation where she shared stories about each of her children and grandchildren, her late sister, and of course her beloved Marv. The love and pride oozed through her words, as she shared. She was so proud of each of you and loved you more than you could imagine. She will be missed. Her memory will always fill my heart and soul (and the caricature will remain on my desk). My deepest sympathy to you all.

I am a member and staff member of Bethel Lutheran Church. Zelda and I worked together in various ways for several ministries of Bethel. Zelda was always so fun to be around, talk with and e-mail with. She had a heart of gold and always had a smile (I could hear it in her voice when I spoke to her on the phone.) I will miss her. My sympathies to her family and friends. Heaven has gotten a beautiful angel! Dona Meyer