Gerald Francis Bastian

DEERFIELD - Gerald Francis Bastian, age 78, of Deerfield, passed away on Friday, Dec. 25, 2020 after a long courageous battle with cancer. He was born on Dec. 5, 1942, in Menominee, Mich., the son of Mark and Myrtle (Klaver) Bastian. Gerald graduated from Marinette Catholic Central High School in 1961 and Spencerian Business College in Milwaukee, in 1965. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Gerald married Patricia Mahle on April 26, 1969, at St. Jude's Catholic Church in Beloit. Gerald worked as a machinist for MPI International retiring in January 2012. He as a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church where he was a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. He served as treasurer for American Legion. He was a member of the village board and a member of the Jaycees-during the building of Jaycee Park in Deerfield. He volunteered at the Madison VA Hospital. Gerald was a very involved family man. He enjoyed wood working and making craft gifts for his family including toys, jewelry, furniture, puzzles and much more. He loved to attend the farmers market in town and traveling-Branson, Mo, and Florida were his favorite destinations. Gerald had been to Rome, six countries in Europe, several cruises including Alaska, and Canada, where he enjoyed fishing. He enjoyed being in nature and hunting. Gerald was a fan of Nascar racing and would watch local races as well. He was a huge Packers fan and used to tell stories about sneaking into the stadium, though he was really selling beer in the late 50's early 60's so he could enjoy the games and make some money while he did it. Gerald is survived by his wife, Patricia; two sons, Mark (Mary) Bastian and Michael Bastian; grandchildren, Carson, Dillon, Amelia and Cassidy Bastian; sister, Rosie (Danny) Leslie; and brother-in-law, Terry (Donna) Mahle. He was preceded in death by his parents. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Patrick's Catholic Church 434 N Main Street Cottage Grove, WI 53527 on Friday May 14, 2021 at 11am. Visitation from 9:30 AM until the time of Mass. Burial will be held at St Patrick's cemetery following the mass with full military honors. The family would like to specially thank Roberta Fry and Pat and Mo Kennedy for everything that they have done to help the family during this difficult time. They would also like to thank the entire staff from Agrace HospiceCare for the wonderful care and support that they have given to Gerald’s family. Memorials may be made to Knights of Columbus Disaster Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420