George Edward Hast, 91of Champaign passed away at 5:33 a.m.
on Friday, August 9, 2024 at his home.
He was born in La Harpe, IL on May 21, 1933, the son of
Walter & L. Irene (Plank) Hast. He married Joyce Coert on
December 22, 1956 in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Joyce passed
away on April 11, 2020.
George is survived by his sons- David(Sharon) Hast of
Caledonia, MI; Thomas(Cindy) Hast and Robert Hast of
Champaign, IL; daughter Jennifer(Guy)Baldwin of Hayward,
California; 8 Grandchildren and 14 Great Grandchildren.
He is preceded by his parents, wife- Joyce, twin sister-
Georgeanna Fowler and sister Janet Bollin.
George enlisted in the Army in 1956 and obtained the rank of
SP5. He also served in the ready reserves. He is a graduate of La
Harpe High School and has a Bachelor’s & Master’s degree
from the University of Illinois from the College of Education.
George was a teacher at Champaign Unit 4 schools for 29 years.
After retiring, George apprenticed as a saddle maker and
ultimately ran his own leather crafting shop at Pards Western
Shop in Urbana.
George was a true craftsman; he designed, built and flew a light
aircraft, built furniture, and crafted beautiful saddles. His work
was featured in aviation and leather crafting magazines. While
he passionately enjoyed aviation, western stories and Native
American culture, his deepest and most everlasting love was for
Joyce, his wife of 63 years.

A private family burial will be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First United
Methodist Church of Champaign IL. Condolences may be made
at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com