Carol Wagner, Leader Correspondent
Photo by Carol Wagner Lon Swedberg stands in front of Zastrow Funeral Home in Cecil, which will now be Swedberg-Zastrow Funeral Home.
Lon Swedberg, of Swedberg Funeral Homes in Shawano, has expanded services to the Cecil area by purchasing Zastrow Funeral Homes in Cecil and Bonduel, effective Aug. 1.
“Neil and Sheila Zastrow said they wanted to retire Aug. 1 so we purchased their business,” Swedberg said.
The Zastrow Funeral Home began in 1975 with Norman Zastrow. His son, Neil, eventually partnered with his father and became the sole owner in 1991. Neil Zastrow acknowledged it is bittersweet, but it is time for retirement.
“I want to thank the people of Cecil and Bonduel and the surrounding area for their acceptance all these years,” Neil Zastrow said.
The Zastrow Funeral Home in Bonduel will become the Zastrow’s residence as Swedberg-Wendt Funeral Home and crematory is already serving that area. The one in Cecil will become Swedberg-Zastrow Funeral Home. There is also a Swedberg Funeral Home in Gresham. All calls will come to Shawano.
“Then we go wherever we’re needed,” Swedberg said.
The plans are to redecorate the home and add a flag pole and outside lighting. It is handicapped accessible.
The latest addition adds to services already provided by Swedbergs. The Swedberg Family Center in Shawano is used for grief class facilitation. It is also offered to the community if a group needs a place to meet.
Last year a garage with a car wash and storage was built next to the funeral home in Shawano.
There are five full-time funeral directors — Lon Swedberg, Todd Swedberg, Robert Raasch, Joseph Carrao, Nicole Steinhoff — and an apprentice, Pete Moesch.
“Cecil is another facility for the families we’re serving,” Lon Swedberg said. “The Swedberg family wants to provide good service to Cecil and the surrounding area.”