Elaine F. Zuzek

Elaine F. Zuzek, age 81 of Hastings, died peacefully following a sudden illness on Friday morning, September 7, 2018, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul. She was blessed by being surrounded by her loving family. Elaine Frances, the daughter of Carl and Alice (Johnson) Gustafson, was born on June 21, 1937, in Hastings. Following her graduation from Hastings High School, Elaine continued her education at Gustavus and Bethesda Nursing School where she obtained a Registered Nurse degree. On October 11, 1958, Elaine was united in marriage to Gerald "Jerry" Zuzek, and they were blessed with seven children, and thirty-nine years of marriage prior to his sudden passing on November 8, 1997. Elaine was a life-long caregiver and nurse to all; she simply loved caring for everyone. She worked at Regina Hospital, the Minnesota State Hospital, and spent the rest of her career caring for those with chemical dependencies. Elaine ended her professional career in 1995 due to vision loss caused by macular degeneration. Although legally blind, Elaine never sat still. Her love for the community inspired her to support everyones rights through her service and leadership. She was a founding member of Youth First, the Senior Center Representative for the Joint Powers coalition, a dedicated ambassador of the Hastings High School Alumni Association, a longtime member of the Rivertown Lions Club, and of course, was the neighborhood doctor too. Elaine was acknowledged for her commitment to Hastings, and was an honored recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Evonne Davies; and by her husband Jerry. Elaine is survived by her loving children, Dennis (Shelly) Zuzek, Sheri (Randy) Fox, Robert (Melissa) Zuzek, John (Judy) Zuzek, Mark (Janet) Zuzek, Patty Zuzek (David Pope), and Scott (Rebecca) Zuzek; grandchildren, Libby (Joshua) Zuzek, Will Zuzek, Nick (Amy) Fox, Jen Fox, Annie Fox, Hannah Zuzek, Molly Zuzek, Joe Zuzek, Jake Zuzek, Katie Zuzek, Abbie (Joe) Budin, Alex Zuzek, Alicia (Ryan) Franke, Steph Ryman, Peyton Zuzek, and Piper Zuzek; four step grandchildren and their families; two great grandchildren, Zoey Fox and Raelynn Ryman; longtime friend for over fifty years, Jackie Kane; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 10, 2018, at Our Saviours Lutheran Church in Hastings, with Reverend Lloyd Menke officiating. Immediately following, all are invited to a reception at church. Elaine will be laid to rest next to Jerry at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Cemetery. Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon at Caturia, Smidt Starkson Funeral Home Crematory of Hastings, and will continue from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at church on Monday morning. In place of flowers, Elaines family requests memorials to Hastings Public School Foundation, Hastings Family Service, or to the donors choice in her honor. Arrangements are being completed by Caturia, Smidt Starkson Funeral Home Crematory of Hastings.