Submitted by: Dan Rich

Dr. Louis L. Gast

March 8, 1910 - April 22, 2002

South Bend Tribune 4/24/2002

Dr. Louis L. Gast, 92, of Riverside Drive, South Bend, passed away at 11:05 a.m. Monday, April 22, 2002, in Hospice House, South Bend. He was born on March 8, 1910, in Valparaiso, IN, to the late Louis J. and Anna (Henderlong) Gast.

On September 6, 1941, in South Bend, he married Alice I. Nickerson, who survives. He is also survived by a son, Louis James (Antoinette) Gast of Birmingham, AL; a daughter, Elizabeth (Dr. Steven Gregoritch) Gast of South Bend; three grandchildren, Louis, Kevin and Michelle; four great-grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Edith Clifford of Valparaiso, IN; and several nieces and nephews. Dr. Gast was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and four sisters.

Dr. Gast graduated with a bachelor degree from Valparaiso University. He then went on to Loyola University Dental School, Chicago, IL, where he received his Dental Degree. He was a life member of the American Dental Society, The Indiana Dental Association, Delta Sigma Delta Dental Fraternity and the Knights of Columbus. He served as an Institutional Representative of the Boy Scouts of America and St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Parish, and was a member of Morris Park Country Club. He also served 25 years at the Children's Dispensary.

Dr. Gast served his country during World War II. On January 15, 1942, he received orders to report to the Army at Fort Knox, KY, and was eventually assigned to an infantry battalion in the 6th Armored Division. As captain in a medical group, he remained with the unit all through combat in the West European Zone, where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. He was relieved from Army duty with the rank of Captain in September of 1945.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 25, 2002, in Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, where a 6 p.m. parish Rosary will be recited. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 26, 2002, in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Notre Dame, IN. Entombment will follow in Riverview Cemetery, South Bend. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at the Sacred Heart Parish, 104 The Presbytery, Notre Dame, IN 46556-5668; Hospice of St. Joseph County, 111 Sunnbybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637-3437; or to the Sacred Heart Parish, 104 The Presbytery, Notre Dame, IN 46556-5668.