Fast, David G. (1879-1963)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1963 Jun 13 p. 8

Birth date: 1879 Oct 8

text of obituary:

DAVID G. FAST

David G. Fast, oldest child of Gerhard and Helena Hamm Fast, was born near Mountain Lake, Minn. on Oct. 8, 1879. On May 22, 1963 a life of 83 years, seven months, and 14 days came to its earthly close, following a second, severe stoke within the last eight and a half years.

He and Marie Klassen were married on May 26, 1904, and were privileged to share life's joys and sorrows for almost 59 years. Five daughters and four sons were born to them: Frieda (Mrs. frank Fast) of Jackson, Minn.; Matilda (the former Mrs. Marvin Garber, who died in 1957); Mary (Mrs. John Garber) of Jackson, Minn.; Ted D. of Mt. Lake; Helen)(Mrs. Milton Williford) of Fresno, Calif.; Linda (Mrs. George Oliver) of Albert Lea, Minn.; Leander of Albert City, Iowa; Louis of Los Angeles, Calif.; and Peter of Fresno, Calif.

In seeking to make his way in this world, he began as a school teacher, then worked at various other jobs, but spent most of his lifetime on the farm. In 1913 they homesteaded near Chinook, Mont. but returned to Minnesota in 1926. For short periods they also lived in Oregon and California.

Those surviving, along with his wife and eight children, are five sons-in-law, four daughters-in-law, two brothers, one sister, 23 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, many other relatives and friends. Besides his daughter, Matilda, he was preceded in death by his parents and seven brothers and sisters, three of these in their infancy.

His spiritual life began with a genuine conversion experience at the age of 19. He was later baptized and was a member of the Evangelical Mennonite Brethren Church until his death. He was active in church work, serving as choir director, Sunday school superintendent and teacher for many years, on church boards, and other related church and conference activities.

He loved song and music. Even in his last days, while very weak, he joined in singing the old favorite hymns of the Church. He was a man of strong spiritual convictions and his family is grateful for a father and husband whose spiritual interests at home and in the church have proven to be a definite factor in shaping the spiritual experiences of his own children. — The Family.