Cheryl Rae Bast

Born October 21, 1948, in Escanaba to Arne and Pearl (Tahtinen) Juntunen, Cheryl was confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church and graduated from Escanaba High School in 1966. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Northern Michigan University in 1969 and taught in West Bend, Wisconsin, before answering a call to missionary work.

In 1968, Cheryl married Jan Bast. Together, they devoted 57 years to faith, family, and service. In 1975, they began serving with ETHNOS360 (formerly New Tribes Mission), including 12 years in the Philippines from 1977 to 1989. After retiring in 2012, they made their home in Sanford, Florida, where Cheryl taught English as a second language.

Cheryl was the heart of her family. She lived intentionally, laughed heartily, smiled genuinely, and loved with her whole heart. She hoped for heaven regularly, wondered at God’s creation, gave generously, listened intently, and prayed without ceasing. Her many notebooks and journals filled with prayers and scripture reflections testify to her deep faith.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Arne Bast.

Cheryl is survived by her husband, Jan; children Aimee (Bast) Bellingar, Caleb Bast (Hollie), and Joshua Bast (Jennifer); and 13 grandchildren: Taryn (Bellingar) Onhsee, Davin, Dana, and Janaea Bellingar; Seija (Bast) Martin, Ani, Elah, and Talia Bast, and Calvin Atchison; and Mara, Maddy, Sena, and Oren Bast.

Cheryl’s memorial service will take place in Sanford, FL; arrangements are pending.