James Zrust

James Zrust, 80, of Sun Prairie, WI passed away peacefully at home on February 28, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born February 20 ^th , 1943, to the late Angeline Santache and Leroy Zrust in Minnetonka, MN. He went to high school there and was known for getting into harmless mischief with his best friend, Glover, who was there for him until the end. Jim briefly attended the University of Minnesota and then moved to Illinois to work for Glover as a cook at his first restaurant. That is where he met his future wife and moved to Wisconsin a short time later. Jim spent the next 50+ years dedicated as the manager of the Deforest Pine Cone Restaurant, Johnson Creek Pine Cone Restaurant and Pine Cone Travel Plaza, and finally Hi-Way Harry’s Steakhouse. He loved his job and the people he met every day and would’ve still been working there if he was able.

Jim was big into health and exercise, was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and was very passionate about politics. The joke was to not bring up politics or sports with him if you had to be anywhere soon.

He is survived by his wife, Marie Abbott; his step-children (of 42 years) Dan Abbott and Shannon (Ryan) Knautz; his grandchildren, Cassidy, Mackenna, and Morgan; and his beloved dog, Baxter. He is further survived by his sister Roxanne Klendshoj; his three biological daughters, Julie Cokeley, Shelly Caldeira, and Stacy Duldulao; his nieces, loved ones, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of life is planned to be held at Hi-Way Harry’s this spring (TBA).