Marjorie Ann Bast

Marjorie G. “Midge” Bast passed away surrounded by her family on April 30, 2015 at the age of 77. She was born on September 14, 1937 to Lester and Margaret (nee Deaton) Griffith in Battle Creek MI.

She spent her early years in Harvey, IL and graduated from the University of Illinois, where she met her best friend and the love of her life, William “Bill” Bast. After a brief tenure as an elementary school teacher in Lansing, IL, she and Bill were married on August 4, 1962 and they moved to West Allis, WI and then in 1968 to West Bend.

After the birth of their children, David in 1965 and Elizabeth “Betsy” in 1967, she became a stay-at-home mom and an active community volunteer. She was a long-time aide in the health rooms of Decorah Elementary School and Badger Middle School, and was an early member of the League of Women Voters and a proud member of the Democratic Party. For many years she served as the chair for West Bend voting district #4. In 1988, she began an enjoyable 15-year tenure at the West Bend Public Library’s circulation desk.

Her kindness and sense of humor were appreciated by many, and her love of books, word games, and crossword puzzles was legendary. Her family and friends are fortunate to have had her in their lives.

Midge is survived by her husband of 52 years Bill, her children David (Anne) and Elizabeth (Ron Schultz) and her grandchildren Nicolas Bast and Benjamin and Nora Schultz. She is also survived by her sister Dorothy (Robert) Edison, and beloved nieces, nephew and their families.

She was predeceased by her parents and brother Robert Griffith.

A private service will take place at Sunnside Cemetery in Lannon, WI.

The Schmidt Funeral Home of West Bend is serving the family. On-line guestbook and condolences available at www.schmidtfuneralhome.com.