Former police officer leaves entire estate to food bank

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- When people pass away, sometimes they leave behind a little money for charity. But how about leaving behind an entire house? It's what one man in Conroe did for the local food bank upon his death.

Dennis Zastrow wasn't rich, according to his executor. He had moved to Conroe after retiring as a police officer in Wisconsin. He passed away last year at 71, but left behind his estate to the Montgomery County Food Bank, including all his personal possessions and his house.

The food bank then sold the house and possessions, which the president says resulted in $128,000 donated or 354,000 meals for the needy.

"It's a very unique situation, a very heartwarming story," said Rodney Dickerson, the president of the Montgomery County Food Bank. "His generosity speaks to his compassion and commitment to feeding the food insecure in Montgomery County."

So following in the spirit of the holidays and Zastrow, food bank staff welcome any donations. You can drop it off at the welcome center, named for the man who gave everything he had to the needy.

Zastrow's donation went toward the food bank's goal of raising $6.5 million to complete their new facility.

Dickerson says they've already raised $5 million and are hoping they can get the final $1.5 million before the end of the year.

We worked on this story with our Houston Community Newspaper Partners. You can read more in The Courier Of Montgomery County.