Fast, Bernhard A. (1886-1955)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Feb 17 p. 8

Birth date: 1886 Aug 28

text of obituary:

BERNHARD A. FAST

Bernhard A. Fast, our loving husband and father, was born on a farm near Dolton, South Dakota, on Aug. 28, 1886. Here he spent his childhood days and as a young man acknowledged his lost condition and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. On June 28, 1903, he was baptized upon his confession of faith and united with the M. B. church for fellowship.

On Feb. 15, 1909, he united with Lydia Schindler in holy Matrimony. This union lasted 45 years, 11 months and one day. The first years were spent in and near Dolton, South Dakota. For a period of five years they lived in Montana and then moved back to Dolton, South Dakota, again. In the year of 1939 they moved to Fresno, Calif.

The Lord blessed our father with happy days and hours in our home. These joys as well as the sorrows were shared by two daughters.

The Lord blessed our father with fairly good health all of his days. A few years ago he was privileged to travel through the states to see his brothers and sisters. Two years ago he retired from active labor to enjoy his days in his home. In the last years father has had a special joy in the work of his own church, the M. B. church of Fresno. He enjoyed all church meetings and all Christian fellowship.

About six months ago he was stricken with an ailment from which he never fully recovered. He spent a number of weeks in the hospital but the last weeks were spent in his home. He appreciated every visit of his friends and always welcomed the coming of his pastor.

On Sunday afternoon, Jan. 16, our Heavenly Father send the message, “Come up higher” and his soul left to be with the Lord. He reached the age of 68 years, four months, 26 days. Those who mourn in a special way at his departure are his wife, Mrs. Lydia Schindler Fast of 751 Boyd, Fresno; two daughters, Clara, Mrs. Henry Kliewer with her husband of 4101 Weldon St., Fresno; Genevie [sic Genevieve], Mrs. Bruce Pillow and husband of 602 S. Siera [sic Sierra]. Besided these are four grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Susie Ratzlaff of Omaha, Nebr., Mrs. Marie Kunkel of Dolton, S. D.; and six brothers, Peter of Montana, George of Minnesota, Henry, Jakob, Benjamin and Abraham of S. D. Besides these there are many that stand by in this hour of sorrow. — The Family.