Leslie Russell Zastera

Leslie "Les" Russell Zastera, age 72, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the University of Minnesota East Bank Hospital.

Born December 14, 1953, in Pine City, Minnesota, Les was the son of Russell and Adeline (Jacobson) Zastera. Growing up on the family farm, he learned the value of a hard day’s work early on, spending his youth tending to crops and dairy cows. A 1972 graduate of Pine City Area Schools, Les followed his passion for mechanics to Pine Technical College, where he earned his auto mechanic certificate. He spent his career honing his craft at several locations before finding his professional home at East Central Electric, where he retired after more than 25 years of dedicated service.

On May 19, 1979, Les married the love of his life, Judy Stoffel. Together, they built a home in Grasston, Minnesota, where they would reside for the next 46 years. Les was a man of the outdoors; he was never happier than when he was tending to his large garden, cutting wood for the wood stove, or heading out for his annual hunting and fishing trips.

Family was the center of Les’s world. He and Judy raised two children, Darrin and Nikki, sharing countless memories on camping trips, four-wheeling excursions, and snowmobile adventures. These traditions continued on their Grasston property with his four beloved grandchildren, who were his absolute pride and joy. In recent years, Les and Judy moved to Forest Lake to begin their next chapter.

Les is survived by his devoted wife, Judy; his children, Darrin (Dorothy) Zastera of Lonsdale, MN, Nikki (Dustin) Munger of Hugo, MN; his four grandchildren: Henry, Carson, and Dylan Zastera, and Braxtin Munger. He is also survived by his sister, Deb Nelson (Leroy); his brother, Dan Zastera (Lori) of Pine City; brothers-in-law Richard (Marriann) Stoffel and Ron (Chris) Stoffel; sister-in-law Elaine Schneider; many nieces, relatives, and dear friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Adeline Zastera, and brother-in-law, Richard Schneider.

A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 Noon; Saturday, May 9, 2026, with a visitation one hour prior at Swanson Funeral Chapel in Pine City. Following the service, family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life and luncheon at the American Legion of Pine City from 1:30-4:00 PM.

Arrangements are entrusted to: Funeral and Cremation Service-Swanson Chapel ~ Pine  City, MN

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