Laura G. Gast-Gasper

Laura Gast Gasper, of Kaukauna, age 87, carried out her wish to die at home and went to meet the Lord with several daughters present after praying Psalm 23 on Wednesday morning, January 30, 2008. She was born on August 30, 1920 in Clintonville, Wisconsin to the late Anton and Anna (Young) Jozwiack. Laura was adopted and raised by her grandparents, James and Martha Young. She married Harold R. Gast on October 12, 1940 and he preceded her in death on June 11, 1976. On June 10, 1977 Laura married Merton A. Gasper who preceded her in death on September 22, 2003. For 51 years she was a member of the North American Benefit Association and served as its president. She was a member of the Women of the Moose and for two years held the office of president. Laura was a lifelong member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Before retiring, Laura worked at Kaukauna Community Hospital for 15 years, took in washing and cared for boarders for 10 years. After retiring, she played Mrs. Santa Claus at Anna John Nursing Home for 10 years (collected Christmas gifts and knitted slippers for all the residents) and volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul for over 5 years. In her spare time she crocheted afghans for the vicars at Bethany Lutheran Church where she was a member.

She is survived by her daughter: Bea Lederer, Appleton; Betty Lou (Donald) Mulry, Sparta; Bonnie (Dan) Reichel, Kaukauna; Kay Gast, Appleton; Karen Gast, Kaukauna; Lynne (Ben) Collins, Kaukauna; Deb (Dave) Churchill, Seymour; Fawn (Dr. William) Peterson, Tucson, Arizona; Susan Pearl (Steve) Hansel, Appleton and Laurie Gast, Appleton; sons: Gary (Chris) Gast, Appleton and George (Bitsy) Gast, Appleton; 26 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren. Laura is also survived by sisters-in-law: Alvina Jansen, Elizabeth Obermeyer and Gretchen Volpe, many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Harold Gast, her second husband, Merton Gasper; two sons, Martin and Harold Gast, two grandsons: Mark Reichel and Joseph Kulick, and her son-in-law: Jim Van Daalwyk.

The funeral services for Laura will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 2, 2008 at BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 124 W. 10th Street, Kaukauna with Pastor Walter Steinbach officiating. Burial will take place at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Fargo Funeral Home on Friday from 4:00 – 7:00 pm and Saturday at the church from 10:00 am until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

The family wishes to thank Karen for all the years of loving care she gave mom and all who have supported us during this very difficult time.

FARGO FUNERAL HOME
400 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Kaukauna, WI 54130
920-766-6200