William A Gaskey

WILLIAM A. GASKEY HIGHLAND, IN William A. Gaskey of Highland, IN passed away peacefully on October 22, 2012 at the Riley Hospice in Munster, IN. Bill married Kathy (Vermaelen) on May 11, 1968 and celebrated 44 years of marriage. Their retirement was full of trips with friends including a recent cruise to Alaska. Bill was a devoted dad to his two children. His son, John (Melissa) of Terrace Park, OH and their children: William Lucas "Luke", and Elise Christine. His daughter, Julie (Rev. David) Faulkner and their children: Grant David, Lillie Grace Katherine, and Graham William. His five grandkids will always treasure their "Papa Bill". The courage and perseverance he modeled through his two and one-half year cancer battle was another life lesson he was quietly teaching them. He is further survived by his brother, Kenneth (Kathy) Gaskey; nieces: Pamela and Susan Gaskey, and Laura Williams; nephews: Stephen and Dirk Gaskey; and cousins Marvin Porter and Pat Conway. Bill was predeceased by his parents; brother, Dr. Nealon Gaskey; and half brother, Louis Corso. Bill was born in East Chicago, IN on September 1, 1939, the youngest son of Stanley and Ann (Baran) Gaskey. He attended St. Patrick's Grade School and was a 1957 graduate of Washington High School where he was class president, an all area standout football player and state finalist wrestler. He received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Indiana State University in Terre Haute, IN where he was a letterman for the football and wrestling team and was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. Deeply committed to education, Bill was employed by the School City of East Chicago for 37 years; first as a business education teacher at Washington and Central High Schools, and as counselor at Block Junior High. After retirement, he was an adjunct professor at Indiana University-Northwest in the Education Department. Bill was a proud member of the American Federation of Teachers Local 511 where he served as treasurer and building representative. He was a member of Lake County Retired Teachers Association and Indiana Retired Teachers Association. Bill was a lifelong loyal Democrat who served Precinct 21 in Highland for over 20 years as committeeman, BZA member and on Council of Community Events. Bill was dedicated to serving those in need and was honored in 2012 as "Lion of the Year" of the Highland Lions Club. Collecting eyeglasses and making sure all children who required prescription glasses received them was very important to Bill. Always actively involved in his community, Bill was a member of Elks, Izaak Walton League, Highland Historical Society, Indiana High School Athletic Association and Lake County Athletic Officials Association and respected umpire. Bill enjoyed golfing, spending time at Wicker Park playing Cribbage and Scrabble with his friends. He enjoyed traveling, WWII history, and cheering for his beloved Chicago Cubs. Most of all, he enjoyed sitting on the back deck with his wife watching the birds and talking about life and grandkids. Bill was a member of St. James Catholic Church. Funeral services will be held at St. James Church of Highland with Fr. Keith Virus officiating at 10:00 AM on Friday, October 26, 2012. Visitation will be Thursday from 3:00 to 8:00 PM at Kuiper Funeral Home, 9039 Kleinman Road, Highland, IN with a Lions ceremony at 6:00 PM and prayer service at 4:00 PM. Bill was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, and loyal friend who will be dearly missed. Memorials may be given to Hospice of the Calumet Area, St. James Food Pantry, and Lions Cancer Control Fund. www.kuiperfh.com