Willems, Anna Fast (1866-1927)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1927 Nov 16 p. 4

Birth date: 1866 Jul 3

text of obituary:

Mrs. A. A. Willems

Mrs. A. A. Willems, nee Anna Fast, was born in Fishau, South Russia, on July 3, 1866. In the year 1877 she came to America with her parents and settled on a farm near Inman, kansas. At the age of 20 years she was converted and on October 18, 1886, she was baptized and united with the K. M. B. congregation. She remained steadfast to her faith and was always anxious to hear God's Word.

On January 30, 1887, she united in marriage with Abraham A. Willems. This union was blessed with twelve children — four sons and eight daughters. One son and four daughters passed away in infancy. This union was of a duration of 40 years, 9 months, and 2 days.

On November 6, 1912, she became afflicted with a stroke of paralysis and has had a number of strokes since. The last stroke was two days before her death. Since October 25, 1924, she was unable to leave the house and for a long time was bedfast. She passed away on November 1, at the age of 61 years, 3 months, and 28 days.

She leaves her husband, 7 children, 3 sons, and 4 daughters, 20 grandchildren, one brother, and one sister, and a host of friends to mourn her departure.

The funeral services were held in the Zoar church Friday afternoon, Nov. 4. Rev. John Esau officiated and was assisted by Rev. A. G. Ensz and Rev. Joseph J. Glanzer of Bridgewater, South Dakota. The Zoar choir was led by D. C. Pauls. Rev. P. H. Block spoke at the cemetery. The remains were laid to rest in the Zoar cemetery. — Inman Review.