Kenneth Bast

Kenneth James Bast was born on November 21, 1945 in Springfield, Minnesota, the son of Arlene (Schwartz) and Richard Bast. Ken grew up in Springfield and after high school drove cattle truck for his uncle, Melvin Krueger. He served in the Army from 1966-1968, and is a Vietnam War Veteran, and has passed on his love of country to his children and grandchildren. He then went on to be an employee of Mathiowetz Construction Company for 35 years, and retired as a construction superintendent in 2003. On October 19, 1968, Ken was united in marriage to the love of his life and soul mate, Laura Lee Weber at St. Raphael's Church in Springfield. The couple continued to make their home in Springfield where they raised three children. Ken enjoyed target shooting and reloading ammo. His passion was Corvettes. He enjoyed traveling to the Rocky Mountains and snowmobiling trips with his nephews, son, and son-in-law. He liked everything in nature and created incredibly beautiful flower gardens with Laura Lee. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and teasing his grandchildren. Kenneth James Bast died Friday, July 18, 2014 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital due to complications after open heart surgery, at the age of 68 years. He is survived by wife Laura Lee of Springfield; children Tammy (Kevin) Kohnen of Shakopee, Kari Bast-Payne of Medina, Ohio, and Daniel (Stacy) Bast of Mankato; grandchildren Jordan, Katie and Michelle Kohnen, Joshua and Gabriel Payne, and Thurston Steele; brothers Keith (Fran) Bast and Kelvin (Char) Bast; numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Ken was preceded in death by his parents. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice. This memorial service is a celebration of Ken's life. The family invites friends and family to share a written statement of how Ken influenced their life. First Visitation 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Monday, July 21, 2014 Sturm Funeral Home, Springfield Chapel 407 N. Jackson Springfield, Minnesota, United States 56087 Second Visitation 9:00 am - 10:00 am Tuesday, July 22, 2014 Springfield Area Community Center 33 S. Cass Ave Springfield, Minnesota, United States 56087 Service Information 10:00 am Tuesday, July 22, 2014 Springfield Area Community Center 33 S. Cass Ave Springfield, Minnesota, United States 56087 Interment Information Springfield City Cemetery Co. Rd 24 Springfield, Minnesota, United States 56087