William Gaasch Obituary

William E. Gaasch, age 79, was born January 9, 1932 to Gerald and Mary Keller Gaasch in Iona, Minnesota. Surrounded by his family at home, he made a peaceful transition to heaven on May 7, 2011. William served in the Navy during the Korean War and then was a diesel mechanic/supervisor for the United States Air Force Civil Service for 29 years. He worked in maintenance at Colorado College retiring in 1992. Bill was happiest spending time with his family and watching his grandchildren grow. He enjoyed working on cars, hunting and road trips. He loved watching baseball, football and Nascar races. William is survived by his loving wife, Rita Arens of 53 years; children, Greggory (Betty), Gary, Susan (Robert) Holstine and Beth (Michael) Richardson; siblings, Michael, Robert, Jeanne Bergstrom and Sister Marguerite, OSF. Papa Willie will be extremely missed by granddaughters, Jennifer and Theresa Gaasch, Morgan and Mallory Richardson and Samantha Holstine; and great grandson, Hayzen. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, John; sister, Helen Horvey; twin daughters, Mary and Theresa and grandson, Zachary Holstine. A Rosary will be held at 12:30 PM with a Memorial Mass to follow at 1:00 PM Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at Holy Apostles Catholic Church, 4925 N. Carefree Circle, Colorado Springs, CO with a reception following. Donations may be made in William's name to Pikes Peak Hospice or the American Cancer Society.