Alan Gaastra

Alan Gaastra departed this life on Sunday, April 26, 2015, at the age of 73 years, 3 months, 3 days. He was born in Friesland, Wisconsin the son of the late William and Bernice Minnie Heinz Gaastra. On July 11, 1968, he was
united in marriage to Frances R. Frank, who survives.

Mr. Gaastra lived in Markesan, Wisconsin until he married, then he moved to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin where he lived for 20 years, he then moved to Savannah, Tennessee where he lived from 1986 thru 2006. He worked for Kirsch Foundry for 16 years until he was forced to retire due to his disabilities. He was a member of the Fifth Avenue Baptist Church in Decatur, Alabama and the Savannah Lodge #102.

Mr. Gaastra was a quiet man, known for a smile on his face and friendly with everyone. He would help anyone in need and would help drive the Shriner's van with another member. He loved his children and grandchildren, they always made him laugh.

Mr. Gaastra is survived by his wife of 46 years, Frances R. Gaastra of Decatur, Alabama; children, David A. Gaastra and wife, Caryn of Atoka, Tennessee, Alisha B. Stanfield and husband, Jim of Decatur, Alabama, Grace A. Gant and husband, Lawon of Selmer, Tennessee, Mathew P. Gaastra of Decatur, Alabama, Hannah R. Hutcheson of Savannah, Tennessee; grandchildren, Caleb Stanfield, Alexandria Stanfield, Patrick Gaastra, Alaina Gaastra, Emmanuel Gant, Isiiah Gant, Brittany Crigger, Sarah Price, and Jennifer Price; great grandchildren, Kaydan Crigger, Zander Crigger, Declan Crigger, and Mckala Price; sisters, June Page and husband, Warner of Markesan, Wisconsin, Dorthy Holland of Racine, Wisconsin, and Clarice Hillstrom of Haymarket, Virginia; brother, William Gaastra, Jr. and wife, Gert of Randolph,Wisconsin; extended family, Grace Frank, Mazie Deshazier and husband, Jack, Geneva Mansell and husband, Gary, William Frank and wife, Cathy, Virgil Frank and wife, Bea; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, Eric Hillstrom and Stan Holland.