March 23, 1969

Father John Bast

Father Bast was born in Landkern, Rhein, Germany on May 1, 1881 and moved to the United States with his family when he was seven years old. He attended grade and high school in his home parish of St. Joseph’s in Cleveland, Ohio, and for his college education he attended St. Joseph College in Teutopolis, IL. He did his theological studies at St. Meinrad Seminary, St. Meinrad, IL where he was ordained in the seminary chapel by Bishop Hennessy on December 4, 1907. Father Bast was assigned to Willowdale for four years and was then assigned to North Ellinwood until 1935 when he was re-assigned to Willowdale. He remained in Willowdale until his retirement on March 11, 1964. On March 23, 1969 Father Bast died as the oldest priest in the diocese at 86 years of age and with 56 years of service in only two assignments. Bishop Maloney was the principal concelebrant at his funeral Mass in Willowdale on March 27, 1969. Father Bast was buried in Willowdale.