Fast, Herman J. (1860-1947)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1947 Jul 24 p. 1

Birth date: 1860 Jun 17

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1947 Aug 7 p. 3, 7

text of obituary:

HERMAN J. FAST

Herman J. Fast, better known as H. J. Fast, son of Johann and Sara Peters Fast, was born June 17, 1860, at Gehortemgalee, South Russia. He came to this country with his parents, brothers and sisters in 1875, living in an immigrant-house for three days, then moving onto a farm northwest of the town of Mountain Lake. Here he grew to manhood and Mountain Lake came to be his home to the end of his life.

From early childhood he loved the Lord and gave himself to Him in 1879, when he was baptized by Rev. Aron Wall. He returned to his old country only once and that at the age of 25 when he was called upon to get his widowed sister and infant daughter. This was quite an undertaking for a young man at that period, but he always cherished that experience as one of the high points in his life.

His early education he received in Alexanderkrone and Rudnerweide, South Russia. Later he studied in the Mountain Lake public school, Mankato Teachers' Normal School, and the Baptist Theological Seminary of Rochester, New York. He taught for a few years in the public schools and took great interest in "Singstunden," gathering the young people of the community for a sing-spiration, evenings or Sunday afternoons.

In 1886 he married Aganetha Becker, daughter of the former teacher, Johann Becker. He lived with her for over 42 years. They established a farm on mere prairie where there was not a bush, tree or building and built it up into a beautiful farm. So they early knew the hardships of pioneer life.

To this union were born eight children, of whom four have already preceded him in death: Herman B., the eldest, in young manhood; Elizabeth in infancy; Marke K. lost her life in the Adriatic waters in relief work; Olga as a young wife and mother.

The mother of the home died on January 3, 1930. He later married Mrs. Anna Janzen Penner who now survives him with his four living children: Aganetha, missionary to China; John B., who lives on the old home farm; Sara, Mrs. H. W. Wall, Dallas, Oregon; Dr. H. A. Fast, of Bethel College, North Newton, Kansas. Also surviving are three daughters-in-law; two sons-in-law, 20 grandchildren, of whom two have gone to glory before him, and six great-grandchildren. All of his children could be present at the funeral except H. A. Fast, who was in Europe.

By profession he was a farmer. He was much interested in the progress of the community and so was instrumental in the establishing of a Farmer's Elevator, where he served for years as president. Then there was the establishing of the Co-operative Creamery and other organizations. He was secretary of the Bethel Hospital Association for a number of years.

However, his special interest and love was the work of the church, and its expansion. He was among the organizers of the Bethel Mennonite church and was its charter member. He also served as secretary of the church for 16 years and Sunday school teacher for over 63 years. He was secretary of the Northern District Conference for over 26 years, and General Conference statistician for nine years. Hardly ever would he allow a conference of the Northern District to convene but he was present, and if possible he would attend the General Conference.

Father H. J. Fast reached the ripe old age of 87 years and 28 days. He had been ill for over four years with a weakened heart and kidneys. He sustained a hernia, from which he seemed to rally quite well, but he had to be taken to the Bethel Hospital because of it. For 16 days he was taken care of in the hospital. Then on July 15, at nine o'clock in the morning, he quietly and peacefully fell asleep. He just was, and [p. 7] the next moment he had entered into the presence of the Lord. Indeed a beautiful sunset! What an awakening that must have been over yonder, and it leaves us wondering at the surprise that was his when he opened his eyes in the presence of Christ.

Father was laid to rest from the church he loved so well, (the Bethel Mennonite church), with Rev. Erland Waltner officiating and Dr. J. H. Janzen, and his nephew, Rev. H. H. Dick, as guest speakers. Interment was made the same day, July 19, 1947, at the local cemetery. He is not there, for his spirit has gone to be with the Lord.

"All the pain and grief are over,
      Every restless tossing passed
I am now at peace forever,
      Safely home in heaven at last."

The Mennonite obituary: 1947 Aug 5 p. 12