Richard Gastler
d. October 15, 2015
Richard Henry Gastler, 79, passed away at Solvay Hospice House on Thursday October 15th, 2015 with family by his side. He was born on November 12th, 1935 to Otto and Erna Gastler of Chaska, MN. After graduating from St. John's Lutheran School, and Chaska High School, he received his Bachelor's degree from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1957. Dick married Peggy Gervais in 1979 at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Duluth.
After church and family, his devotion focused on teaching. Starting in the Port Wing, Watertown, and Ortonville areas, he spent over three decades at Denfeld High School in Duluth. He loved his students, and kept in touch with many of them throughout the years. "While we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people", was his greatest lesson. He is remembered at Denfeld for raising money for the starving people in Ethiopia by the wearing of his famous Green Polyester Leisure Suit.
Dick was involved in his community; Duluth Playhouse, German Club, St Louis Co Historical Society, Retired Teachers Assoc, Mt Olive Lutheran Church.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving sister Lois and brother-in-law, Edward Munson.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Peggy; son Dan Gastler, daughters Kris (Jones) Ajayi , Kathi (Brian) Hoylo; Kari Gastler; Stepchildren Jerry A. (Diane) Gervais; Jim Gervais; and Cindy Gervais Craig (Mark Wiarda). Grandchildren
Femina (Dennis) Ajayi Hackworth, Joseph Ajayi, Sam and Tor Kartenson, Troy Geary, Jackie Gervais (Randy Pace ) , Ashley (Steven) Fletcher, Julia Gervais, Jake Craig. and several great grandchildren and numerous cousins.
His powerful tenor voice that would break into song at any moment and his endless stories will be tremendously missed.
Visitation will be held Thursday Oct 22nd, from 5-7pm in Dougherty Funeral Home 600 E. 2nd Street, Duluth 55805, 218- 727-3555 and will continue on Friday Oct. 23rd from 10am until the 11am Memorial Service in Mt Olive Lutheran Church with luncheon to follow. 2012 E Superior St, Duluth MN. Burial to be in St John's Cemetery Chaska MN, Saturday Oct. 24, at 2PM.