The first-time author explores his coming of age in the 1970s, coping with multiple family tragedies and the hard-won lessons he’s learned along the way. According to Gasner, telling the story without including Williams simply wouldn’t be possible.
Gasner and Williams grew up in Rochester. They bonded immediately over their shared love of sports, though their connection proved much deeper.
“We admired each other so much,” Gasner said. “Our value system, our competitiveness, all of those things have always been part of why we connected so well growing up.”
The two stayed in touch throughout college and into their careers. While playing high school football together, Williams ran what the team called “the hamburger squad.”
“He’d just get beat up like crazy, him and this other guy. They would run scout offense to a tee. He just had this air about him that was so respectful. Everyone respected him,” Gasner said.
The respect is mutual. The two stayed in touch throughout college and beyond, even as their careers initially took them in different directions. Williams was the one who convinced Gasner to pursue teaching, despite a successful career in the business world. Looking back, Williams said Gasner has always been a “purpose-driven” person, and teaching gave him the purpose he needed. As a business teacher, Gasner has now spent much of his life passing his knowledge on to the next generation.
“I know for a fact that he’s had a huge impact on the kids he’s worked with over the years. He’s been a real blessing to that school district,” Williams said.
Gasner said he once had the opportunity to join the staff at Owatonna Public Schools but couldn’t justify uprooting his family, as much as he relished the opportunity to work with Williams.
