William D. Gast

1932 - 2017

Gast, William D.

William D. (Bill) Gast passed away during surgery on Monday, April 17, 2017.

He was the eldest son of Arthur and Ruth (Sindberg) Gast, born on May 24th, 1932 in Shawano, Wisconsin. Early on, Bill showed the leadership and family qualities he would be known for throughout his life, helping to raise his younger siblings and graduating at the top of his class at Shawano High School. Bill went on to school at the University of Wisconsin - Madison where he earned his degree in accounting, played trumpet in the marching band, and completed his Army ROTC training. Over that same time period, he married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Rusch on July 11, 1953 and started a family that grew to three boys and one daughter.

Bill accepted his 2nd Lieutenant commission upon graduation and was stationed to Georgia where he served during the Korean war and returned to service during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After the Army, Bill earned his CPA license and began a career as an accountant in the Fox Valley, a profession he would pursue well into his 80's, preparing tax returns for a few loyal clients.

Bill had a very active church life, singing in several church choirs and the Appleton MacDowell Men's Chorus. Memories of his polished singing voice are a comfort to the family. Bill was also a life long Packers fan including attendance at the fabled Ice Bowl and many more game day trips to Lambeau field with his family.

Bill's memory will be lovingly tended by his wife of 64 years, Patricia Gast, his children Jeffrey and Luanne (Behnke) Gast, David Gast and Jeff Uhlenbrauch, and Michele and Byron (Glick) Gast as well as two treasured grandchildren, Rebecca and Erin, Jeffrey and Luanne's daughters as well as the many people who's lives Bill touched throughout Wisconsin and beyond. Bill joins his parents, his father and mother in law, Elmer and Leone Rusch and oldest son Steven Gast in God's loving embrace. He is also survived by two brothers, Timothy Gast and Gerald Gast and two sisters, Barbara Hudson and Patricia Liberus. Bill also leaves behind beloved Lexi the Persian, who carried on a long line of furry companions including Honey, Midnight, and Heidi.

A celebration of Bill's life will be held on Friday, April 21 at 4:00 at the Newcomer Funeral Home in Green Bay, Wisconsin with a visitation starting at 3:00. On-line condolences can be posted at www.NewcomerGreenBay.com

Bill's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Bellin Cardiac Care including Dr. Paul Hudson, and our nurses Kelly and Amy, all of who provided excellent care for Bill and support to the family.