Frances J. Gast, 64, passes away Sunday, April 18, 1993, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt, Iowa. Frances, the daughter of Clarence and Lottie (Ellsworth) Hartzell, was born December 13, 1928 in Britt, Iowa.  She received her education in the Britt Schools. She was united in marriage with Robert Gjerstad on April 18, 1948 in Britt.  The couple made their home in Britt.  In 1956 her husband, Robert passed away.  She worked for the Britt Community Schools, in the hot lunch program and also as a school bus driver.  In 1961 she was united in marriage to Vernon Gast in Britt, they continued to live in Britt.  And for 27 years she was employed at Britt Tech. She enjoyed needlework, crafts and crocheting.  Her main interests were her three boys and their families.  She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Britt, and the V.F.W. Auxiliary. Survivors include three sons: Gary Gjerstad of Fairmont, Minnesota, Ron and his wife, Cindy Gjerstad and their children, Garrett and Kelsey of St. Louis, Missouri, Curtis and his wife, Teresa Gast and their children, Heather, Brent and Ashley of Garner; three sisters: Elaine Hartzell of Garner, Iowa, Betty and her husband, Thain Klass of Fort Dodge, Iowa, Marge Darling of Britt, Iowa; a brother, Clarence and his wife, Marie Hartzell of Wauseon, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Gjerstad in 1956; her parents; and a sister, Zola Phy.