Wedel, Elizabeth Fast (1886-1978)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1978 Aug 24 p. 11

Birth date: 1886

text of obituary:

ELIZABETH WEDEL

Elizabeth Fast Wedel was born in Moundridge, Kan., and later lived in American Falls, Ida. before settling in Salem, Ore. in 1914. She lived there the remainder of her life, dying at the age of 92 on July 29, 1978.

She and her husband, Frank F. Wedel, founded Deaconess Hospital, now Salem Memorial Hospital, in 1916. He was administrator of the hospital until 1947 when their son Irwin became administrator.

She was a member of the First Evangelical United Brethren Church, Salem Garden Club and Union Gospel Mission Auxiliary.

Survivors include four sons, Dr. E. Paul Wedel of Jamaica, Irwin Wedel of Salem, Milton H. Kroeker of San Jose, Calif., and Harold W. Wedel of Salem; a brother, Ben Fast of Great Falls, Mont.; 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.