Gerald L. Bast

Gerald L. Bast, age 76 of West Bend, died unexpectedly on Sunday, June 16, 2024, at his residence. He was born July 6, 1947, in West Bend to Louis and Eleanor (nee Berg) Bast.
Jerry attended Holy Angels School before attending high school at St. Bede Academy in Peru, IL. There he played football and was active in their band. Following his graduation, he moved back to West Bend and worked at Serigraph for over 40 years.
Jerry had a passion for music and was a drummer in numerous local bands including The Sandmen and Rebound. He enjoyed going to the Holy Angels Festival, Germanfest in West Bend, and other local festivals where he always enjoyed good food, good music, and great friends. Often when out to dinner at places with live music, Jerry would be asked to come up on stage and join the band for a song or two. He called himself "The Doctor of Rock n Roll."
He was an avid sports fan, never missed a Packer game and made sure to watch every Super Bowl with his son Eric and his family. He also loved watching WWE wrestling. More than anything he loved watching his kids and grandkids compete at their sporting events. He could always be found in the crowd cheering and encouraging them and their teammates. He loved to find a way to be mat side for his grandsons cheering "Let's Go Ben- Beast" and "C'mon E- Ragdoll!" When he wanted to unwind Jerry enjoyed relaxing on his boat while cruising on the Wolf River in Fremont where he was nicknamed "No Shirt, No Shoes Jerry."
In his later years, Jerry enjoyed being outside and helping his neighbors, whether it was clearing their snow or cutting their lawns. He was a lifelong member of the West Bend Lodge 1398 Loyal Order of the Moose and could often be found there enjoying a fish fry.
Jerry is survived by his son Eric (Sue) Bast of West Bend, 2 grandsons: Ben and Ethan Bast, and his dear companion for many years, Sue Helmbrecht. He is preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Eleanor Bast, his daughter Tina Bast, and a brother in infancy.
Visitation will be held at Schmidt Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 26th from 4:00 pm-6:00 pm with a prayer service to follow. A Celebration of Jerry's life with sandwiches and chips will be held at the Moose Lodge following the prayer service. In lieu of flowers, donations to Holy Angels Church in Jerry's name are appreciated.
The Schmidt Funeral Home in West Bend is serving the family. If you would like to leave a message of comfort and condolence please visit www.schmidtfuneralhome.com