Frederick J. Gast

Frederick John Gast passed away on June 16, 2025, at the age of 81. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, friend and teacher.
Fred was born in Detroit, Michigan on May 24, 1944, to the late Frederick F. and Helen (nee Brickman) Gast. He was the youngest of three siblings, cared for by his older sisters, Alma Gast and the late Sharon Highlund. A lifelong Lutheran, he attended Bethany Lutheran and Stellwagon Elementary Schools; Lutheran High School East; and Concordia Junior College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; before graduating from Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Fred spent one year at the Concordia Lutheran Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, before taking his first job teaching fourth grade at Trinity Lutheran School in Utica, Michigan. He went on to serve as a Lutheran school teacher at Trinity and at Peace Lutheran School in Shelby Township, Michigan, for over 40 years, touching the lives of hundreds of students. A lifelong sports fan, he served as a coach and athletic director, umpire and referee. He also taught adult Bible classes and eighth grade confirmation classes. It was at Trinity that he met his dear wife Carolyn, a fellow Lutheran school teacher.
He is survived by his dedicated wife Carolyn, children Scott Gast and Cheryl Bullaro and her husband Jim Bullaro, grandchildren Jimmy and Jake Bullaro, sister Alma Gast, many cousins, nieces and nephews, and many friends. He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.
Memorial contributions in honor of Fred may be directed to the Win Graebner Scholarship Fund at Trinity Lutheran School in Utica, Michigan.
A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, June 22, from 2-6pm at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 8459 Hall Road (3blks. E. of Van Dyke) in Utica. A memorial service will be held the following day, Monday, June 23, with instate at 12:30pm until the time of the service at 1pm at Trinity Lutheran Church, 45160 Van Dyke Ave in Utica.