Local
Community leader Gasterland passes away
Local businessman and community leader Dirk Gasterland has passed away at 81.
While he served as the President and CEO of Coulee Bank in La Crosse for many years, he’s also well known for his giving back to the community.
He was involved with a number of non-profits and organizations including the Great Rivers United Way, La Crosse Rotary East, Family & Children’s Center, Gateway Area Council-Boy Scouts, and Riverland Girl Scouts.
Gasterland’s service extended to the military. He served in the Minnesota National Guard where he retired with the rank of Colonel. To honor his service, he received a promotion to Brevet General.
To some people in the La Crosse area, however, he was family.
His granddaughter Rachel Munger said she has special memories of getting together with him and the rest of the family during the Christmas and Thanksgiving seasons every year.
She shared how she spoke with her grandfather about giving to the community not long before he passed. She learned about his efforts to get Rotary Lights going and how he had a hand in so many groups, organizations, and projects.
She said, “It’s just amazing to see this type of legacy that has impacted so many, I feel like hundreds, or thousands of people in the La Crosse community where he called home. So, definitely proud of that…proud of that community service and true desire to give back to La Crosse.
To honor his legacy, Munger suggested, “Take a second to look around you and think about how you can serve others in the community.”
A memorial service for Gasterland is next week.
