Cmdr. William Victor Bast, 55, Moreno Valley, CA, formerly of Oconto Falls, died early Sunday morning, June 11, 2000, at Moreno Valley Medical Center, as the result of, injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident last Friday evening.
He was born March 4, 1945 in Oconto Falls to Victor E. and Geraldine "Jerry' (Levemois) Bast and attended Oconto Falls schools, graduating from high school with the class of 1963. As a young boy Bill was active in scouting and attained the status of Eagle Scout. He went on to attend the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD and graduated with the class of 1968. Following in his father's footsteps he became a military pilot. He was married to the former Sue Van of Abrams. Bill served in the U.S. Navy for 29 years achieving the rank of Commander and lived in Sopain, Florida and California. In 1984, he married Mary Cooper-Olson of Shawano and later they divorced. Bill was currently employed as a radar specialist with the U.S. Custom Service. He was a member of St. Christopher's Catholic Church in California and the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the American Legion.
Survivors are his father, Victor E. Bast, Oconto Falls; his two sons, Scott Bast, St. Louis, MO; Chad Bast, Elgin, IL; one brother, Victor W. (Diane) Bast, Seattle, WA; four sisters, Ruth (Wayne) Zemke, Fullerton, CA; Margaret "Maggie" (Joe) Jones, Iola; Vicki (Bill) Wendricks, Waynesboro, MS; Gloria (Bob) Edwards, Green Bay; four stepchildren, Dan Olson, Minneapolis, MN; Scott Olson, WY, Michael Olson, San Francisco, CA; Lynn Scott, NC; two aunts and one uncle, Mrs. Loretta Lemirande, Delores and Bob Skarban all of Oconto Falls; many nieces and nephews, He was preceded in death by his mother, Jerry Bast on July 11, 1993. Friends called at Jones Funeral Service, Oconto Falls. Knights of Columbus service was held. Mass of Christian Burial was conducted 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 19, 2000 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Oconto Falls. Burial in the church cemetery.