Fast, Peter A. (1893-1963)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1963 Apr 4 p. 8

Birth date: 1893 Mar 5

text of obituary:

PETER A. FAST

Peter A. Fast was born on March 5, 1893 to Abraham and Susana [sic Susanna] (Dirks) Fast at their home about six miles north of Freeman, S. D.

His education was limited due to responsibilities at home on the farm. His parents brought him up in the fear and admonition of the Lord, always attending Sunday school and church services of the Silver Lake Church.

In the spring of 1915 at the age of 22 he left for Montana with some of his brothers and other relatives and friends. Here he took up a homestead and also met Elizabeth Glockler, with whom he was joined in holy matrimony on Oct. 26, 1917.

In about 1919 he came under the conviction of the Holy Spirit at revival meetings held in the local school building, and accepted Christ as his personal Saviour. This faith in the Lord was steadfast with love and service till the day of his homegoing.

In 1923 he and his wife moved from Poplar to the Volt community 20 miles north of Wolf Point, Mont. where more Christian folks had settled. Here he was baptized upon his confession of faith and became a charter member of the Bethel (Wolf Point) Mennonite Church.

In the following years they were happy in their service for the Lord but they desired a child and prayed that God would grant them their petition. In June of 1936 the opportunity came for adopting a baby girl. In a few days the adoption was completed. There were some difficulties with the baby's eyesight, and much time was spent in prayer. In these days of heart searching they dedicated their baby, Evelyn, to the Lord. With her husband and family, she is now a missionary to the Indians of northern Manitoba.

On August 7, 1938 the Lord saw fit to take home his beloved wife. On March 5, 1939 he was joined in holy matrimony to Agatha Goossen. The following 17 years were spent on the farm at Volt. In 1956 they retired from farming and moved to Wolf Point. Here they spent the next six years.

They moved to Freeman, S. D. in September of 1962. Shortly after arrival in Freeman, his health began to fail. On Feb. 9 he was taken to Sioux Valley Hospital for observation and later surgery. From this he never recovered. He went to be with the Lord on Feb. 22, 1963, having reached the age of 69 years, 11 Marion, S. D.; two sisters, Mrs. Susie Ratzlaff of Omaha, Neb. and Marie, Mrs. Gust Kunkel of Dolton, S. D.

Preceding him in death were his parents, one sister, Katie, and one brother, Bernard.

Services were held in the Silver Lake M. B. Church at Freeman. Interment was at the Mennonite Cemetery near Freeman. Officiating were Rev. M. A. Schellenberg of Marion and Rev. Abe Friesen of Bridgewater.