Fast, David H. (1881-1960)

Revision as of 15:09, 7 August 2018

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Feb 18 p. 3

Birth date: 1881 Dec 9

text of obituary:

Mt. Lake, Minn. — Funeral services for David H. Fast, 78, former teacher at the Mt. Lake Bible school, were conducted at the Bethel Mennonite church Feb. 8. He died at his home here Feb. 5.

Mr. Fast taught school for a total of 30 years, including 27 years at the local Bible school. Later he was employed as an interior decorator and painter, and as secretary-treasurer of the Mennonite Aid Society. He retired from the latter position in 1958 because of ill health.

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Feb 25 p. 8

text of obituary:

David H. Fast, was born on a farm five miles northwest of Mt.Lake, Minn. to the late Rev. Heinrich and Maria Hamm Fast on Dec. 9, 1881. Being nurtured in a Christian home and under the influence of the Evangelical Mennonite Brethren Church, he realized his need of a Saviour and accepted Jesus early in life. At the age of 18 years,after having received Biblical instruction, he was baptized upon his confession of faith and received as a member in the above mentioned church by the late Elder Aaron Wall.

He received his elementary education in the country school near his home. Here he was greatly encouraged in his young Christian life by one of his devoted teachers, the late Dr. P. A. Penner. He was graduated from the Mountain Lake Bible School, attended high school in Windom, one term at Bethel college, Newton, Kansas, and one term in Moody Bible Institute, Chicago.

At the age of 20 years he began his career as a school teacher and continued in this vocation for thirty years, three years in a country school and 27 years in the local Bible school. Many of his former pupils, scattered throughout the country, are in Christian service, and several have served in the foreign mission field.

After retiring from teaching he spent a number of years as interior decorator and painter. In 1944 he accepted a position as secretary and treasurer of the Mennonite Aid Society. He continued in this work until May 1958 when he resigned because of ill health.

On June 30, 1909, he was united in marriage to Justina Warkentin. This happy marriage union ended on Jan. 14, 1927, when his wife was suddenly taken from his side through death, leaving him deeply bereaved with five young children.

On April 21, 1930, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Eitzen. This marriage union was blessed with a happiness founded on mutual and sympathetic understanding. It lasted just short of 30 years. Another daughter was born into the family.

Throughout his Christian life, as long as health permitted, he was intimately connected with the work of the church. During the early years he served as youth leader, choir director and Sunday school teacher in the E.M.B. church. In 1909, at the time of his first marriage, he transferred his membership to the Bethel Mennonite church. Here he served as Sunday school superintendent and teacher for many years. He also served in the music program and as a member of the Board of Deacons and Board of Trustees.

He spent the last year and nine