Carl Franz Dast

Carl Franz Dast, 64, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 6, 2024, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family. The son of Robert and Mary (Diebel) Dast, Carl was born November 1, 1960, in Pigeon. He graduated from Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port High School in 1979 and attended Delta College to become a mechanic and "turn wrench" as he put it. He would find his calling in the medical field, attending Mid-Michigan College to become a radiology technologist. He went on to work at MyMichigan Gratiot for 29 years before retiring in 2023. True to form, Carl's approach to his craft was legendary. So revered for his stories and antics by students and colleagues alike, the medical center's C arm now bears his name. A voracious reader, curious historian, and a charismatic storyteller, Carl Dast was a classic Michigan man. He enjoyed being outside hunting, fishing, hiking, and most of all, shooting. Armed with an impressive gun collection, Carl loved to shoot targets in his backyard. One of his favorite pastimes was walking through his woods, gun in hand, with his hunting dog, Norman. Carl married Emily Jensen on June 26, 2021, in Mt. Pleasant. He is survived by his wife, Emily; his children, Keith Dast of Westland, Kevin Dast of Hilo, Hawaii, and Katey Dast (fiancé Andrew Neal) of Monroe; stepdaughter Keghan Jensen (fiancé Nolan Baxter) of Blanchard; his mother, Mary Dast of Pigeon; and his sister, Barbara (John) Geer of Monroe. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Junior Dast, whose memory and wisdom he carried with him every day. Carl's memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 9 at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 8, from 4-7 p.m. and on Thursday, one hour prior to the service. Following the service all are invited to a luncheon in Lincoln Reception Center (attached to the funeral home). Memorial contributions may be made to Pardee Cancer Fund, an organization that provided unwavering support to Carl and held a special place in his heart. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. To sign the online guest book or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.CharlesRLux.com.