William “Bill” Gast
October 1st, 1955 - March 18th, 2023
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Bill's Obituary
William Bill" Gast, 67, of Lake Alfred, FL., formerly of St. Joseph, Michigan, unexpectedly passed away, Saturday March 18, 2023 at Lakeland Regional Trauma ICU, Lakeland, FL.
Bill was born on October 1, 1955 in St. Joseph, the son of Clifford and Flora Gast, and graduated from St. Joseph High School, class of 1974. Bill, one of the kindest and most humble of people, enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, music, motorcycles, cars, fishing, marksmanship, and Disney World.
Bill started his career path with the Whirlpool Corporation, but soon realized he wanted to be a police officer and serve his community. He graduated from the police academy and went on to serve in the Saint Joseph Police Department, Benton Township dispatch, Grand Beach Michiana Police Department, AmeriCorps, Benton Harbor Police Department, Watervliet Police Department, Disney World security, and as a Berrien County Sheriff's Deputy.
Bill loved to learn. He earned several degrees from Lake Michigan College and Kalamazoo College, making the Dean's honor role. He was a 32nd degree Mason. He earned many awards and certificates, including: PADI Advanced Open Water Scuba Diver; Underwater Search and Rescue; Exchange Club of Benton Harbor & St. Joseph 17th annual Officer of the Year 1991; St. Joseph Police Department, Berrien County dispatcher of the year April, 16, 2009; CPR Basic Life Support; Tactical Baton Instructor; and Pistol Master.
Bill is survived by his wife Shelley (Skala), his daughter Megan, his sister Cheryl, his nephew Shane, and his grandchildren Mick and Veruschka. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 11AM, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-556-9450.
Bill was born on October 1, 1955 in St. Joseph, the son of Clifford and Flora Gast, and graduated from St. Joseph High School, class of 1974. Bill, one of the kindest and most humble of people, enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, music, motorcycles, cars, fishing, marksmanship, and Disney World.
Bill started his career path with the Whirlpool Corporation, but soon realized he wanted to be a police officer and serve his community. He graduated from the police academy and went on to serve in the Saint Joseph Police Department, Benton Township dispatch, Grand Beach Michiana Police Department, AmeriCorps, Benton Harbor Police Department, Watervliet Police Department, Disney World security, and as a Berrien County Sheriff's Deputy.
Bill loved to learn. He earned several degrees from Lake Michigan College and Kalamazoo College, making the Dean's honor role. He was a 32nd degree Mason. He earned many awards and certificates, including: PADI Advanced Open Water Scuba Diver; Underwater Search and Rescue; Exchange Club of Benton Harbor & St. Joseph 17th annual Officer of the Year 1991; St. Joseph Police Department, Berrien County dispatcher of the year April, 16, 2009; CPR Basic Life Support; Tactical Baton Instructor; and Pistol Master.
Bill is survived by his wife Shelley (Skala), his daughter Megan, his sister Cheryl, his nephew Shane, and his grandchildren Mick and Veruschka. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 11AM, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-556-9450.
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