Michael R. Gast

To join Mike's family for his Celebration of Life, please click on the following link: Michael's Celebration Of Life

Michael Richard Gast died on June 28, 2025, surrounded by his family and the angels at the Sanford Hospice House after a 17-month cancer journey. One can only imagine the reunion in heaven with Mike’s dad—most likely with fishing poles in hand.

Mike was born on October 2, 1976, in Fargo to Dick and Barb (Jeglum) Gast. He was smart, humble, kind, athletic, and funny. As a kid, he played sports all day, biked around with friends, and studied hard. He was the kind of kid who would sprint to first base on a walk—his drive to be the best began early. Mike loved spending time with his family at Two Inlets Lake and cherished hunting and fishing trips with his dad and close friends.

In high school, Mike led both his hockey and soccer teams to multiple state championships. He later played in the USHL for the Fargo Bears/Ice Sharks before attending Concordia College in 1998.

It was at Concordia where Mike met the love of his life, Kelli Tranby—at a college “gathering,” singing along to their favorite band. Their time in college was full of adventure: winning MIAC championships, a journey to Alaska, and forming friendships that remain among their closest to this day.

Mike graduated from Concordia College in 2001 and, in true Mike Gast fashion, started a job at Microsoft the very next day. With the guidance of incredible mentors, he discovered his passion for leadership and management and worked at Microsoft for 16 years. Mike and Kelli were married May 21st, 2004 and built a life in Moorhead, where they spent most of their time watching their kids and “big kids” play the sports they love.

Mike became President of Stoneridge Software in 2017. He dedicated countless hours (especially at 4 a.m.) to his work family. He loved his job, took great pride in watching others grow, and was instrumental in the company’s success. Mike’s favorite quote is by Patrick Lencioni: "If you could get all the people in the organization rowing in the same direction, you could dominate any industry, in any market, against any competition, at any time." Mike was deeply committed to getting everyone to row in the same direction and he was incredibly proud of the work at Stoneridge.

But Mike’s greatest role was being a dad and coach. He never missed a moment to teach his kids about hard work, responsibility, and treating others with respect. He was a calming presence—instilling lessons by living a life grounded in integrity, kindness, and perseverance. He loved coaching his children and always led with support first and advice second. He saved his best coaching for last—finding his calling as a 10U girls hockey coach. He adored coaching Brooklyn and loved each of the girls on the team. Even in his sickest days, he coached from bed with a calm and caring presence that brought out the best in his players.

Mike loved fishing, looking at boats and all the things that went along with it. He never met a walleye he couldn’t catch and spent many weekends at Devils Lake with his buddies and sons.

Mike faced his Glioblastoma diagnosis with the same strength and character that defined his life: with honesty, grit, and a focus on building others up. He leaves behind a family, company, and community heartbroken by his absence—but he would want us all to keep attacking the day, maintain a positive mindset, and live each moment with intention.

Mike is survived by his wife, Kelli, and their three children—Parker (19), Tyler (16), and Brooklyn (12)—and Coco, their beloved dog. He is also survived by his mother, Barb Gast of Moorhead; brother, Scott Gast (Brian) of Roseville, MN; In-laws, David and Sharon Tranby of Moorhead; Jon and Cindy Tranby of Blaine, MN; Steve Tranby of Fort Collins, CO; nephews, Toby and Matthew Tranby; as well as his extended family, fishing buddies, dear friends, billet sons (whom he loved as his own), and treasured colleagues.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Gast, grandparents and aunts and uncles.

The Gast family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and generosity throughout these last 17 months. Mike was an extraordinary man—and it turns out, he had extraordinary friends and family right alongside him. We are also immensely thankful for the compassionate care he received from so many throughout this journey.

Cancer absolutely sucks—it’s not fair—but the incredible medical team, amazing friends and family, and unwavering support from his company made it a little easier.

In lieu of flowers, the Gast family invites you to consider two foundations close to their hearts: Pray for Gray and the Jack & Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation, both of which support families affected by brain cancer.

A Celebration of Michael's Life will be Monday, July 7, 2025, at 11AM in Hope Lutheran Church - South Campus in Fargo.