Gavin David Garst was born on March 3, 2007, in St. Joseph, Missouri, to P.J. and Heather (Steinle) Garst, and he passed away on February 5, 2023, at the age of 15 years, 11 months and 2 days.
Gavin was a loving kid. He was always friendly to everyone he met, never mean and always had a smile on his face. He enjoyed the company of others, especially his family and friends. He liked to stay active, and was always driving around somewhere, riding his dirt bike around Mankato, or hanging out with his friends.
Gavin was a sophomore at Rock Hills Jr.-Sr. High School in Mankato, a member of the class of 2025. He was a pleasant and upbeat student, always smiling and was very helpful to his fellow students and teachers. He was active in scholars bowl and FFA.
Outside of school, Gavin had many hobbies. He enjoyed fishing and fly fishing, and was learning the art of fly tying. Gavin and his friends spent many hours fishing and boating, casting and landing many fish.
He helped his Dad at his body shop and working on cars, especially his 1979 Camaro. This led to another hobby of collecting automobilia and petroliana, attending collector shows with his family, and making friends who have become family. Gavin was an entrepreneur, and he started a business of selling antique oil cans, and zebra cakes. He was a talented artist, and drew many detailed sketches and drawings.
He attended the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mankato and was strong in his faith. He was active in the church youth group and attended youth camps.
Gavin was a good brother and son with a 24 carat heart of gold who was taken from us too soon.
He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Brad Steinle; great-grandpa, David Winfrey; great-grandma, Rae Steinle; great-uncle, Dave Warner; great-aunt, Ellen Steinle; great-grandparents, Vern and Wilma Garlock and Alfred and Velma Garst.
His memories will forever live in the hearts of his parents, P.J. and Heather; brother, Dayton; sister, Karley; grandparents, Paul and Darlene Garst and Lynn Shulte; aunt, Hannah Pumphrey; uncle, Travis Garst and his wife Audrey; aunt, Corrina Banks; many cousins and many friends.
Memorial services will be Saturday, February 11, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Rock Hills Jr.-Sr. High School in Mankato.
Family and friends may leave cards and condolences and share their favorite memories of Gavin on Friday, February 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Melby Mortuary.
Memorials are requested to the Gavin D. Garst Memorial, and may be sent to Melby Mortuary, P.O. Box 384, Mankato, Kansas 66956.
Melby Mortuary is assisting Gavin's family with these arrangements. www.melbymortuary.com