Fast, Isaac B. (1884-1971)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 21 Oct 1971 p. 8

Birth date: 1884

text of obituary:

Newton and Vicinity

Isaac B. Fast, 87, died unexpectedly last Saturday at the home near Goessel. He was a retired farmer and lifetime resident of that community. He was formerly a deacon of the Goessel Mennonite Church, and served on the school board and the board of the Bethesda Hospital and Home Society. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the Goessel Church, with Rev. Henry Goossen officiating. Mr. Fast leaves his widow, the former Aganetha Unruh; one son, Menno, of Lincoln, Neb.; two daughters, Mrs. Milton Schmidt of rural Walton, and Mrs. Homer Waltner of Freeman, S. D.; a sister, Mrs. P. S. Voth of Goessel; and six grandchildren.

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 16 Dec 1971 p. 11

text of obituary:

ISAAC B. FAST

Isaac B. Fast, son of Isaac and Susanna Wedel Fast, was born on Feb. 16, 1884, near Goessel, Kan. He received his education in the Gordon School and Bethel College Academy from which he graduated in 1909. After attending the Marion County Teachers Institute, he received his teaching certificate. He taught in the following grade schools: Berlin, Good Hope, Steinbach, Emmenthal, and Gordon, a total of seven years.

He was baptized on May 31, 1903, by Rev. Peter Balzer and became a member of the Alexanderwohl Church. On June 10, 1920, when the Goessel Mennonite Church was founded, he became one of its charter members.

On June 17, 1915, he was united in marriage to Aganetha Unruh.

In June, 1924, he was ordained as a deacon in the Goessel Mennonite Church. The work of the church was always very dear to him. His interest in missions, education, and relief were evidenced by his prayerful and material support. During his younger years he gladly served as Sunday school teacher, instructor of the catechism class, Sunday school superintendent, and for over 30 years as a director of the Bethesda Hospital and Home.

When the Goessel Church decided to sponsor a refugee family from Europe, he immediately gave his full support to this effort, and one of the highlights of his life was to have a part in assisting the Johann Horn family in establishing a new home in this country.

In January 1971 he suffered from a light stroke and a severe gallstone attack and for a time he was bedfast and the frailties of old age were very much in evidence. Visits with friends and relatives and the pastor gave him much joy and comfort. He found peace in prayer and Bible verses such as John 16:33, "Be of good cheer. I have overcome the world."

In the more recent months there seemed to be a renewing of physical strength and vitality, but on the morning of Oct. 16 the Lord suddenly called him from this life at the age of 87 years and eight months.

He was preceded in death by a brother Peter. Those who remain to cherish his memory besides his wife are Menno and wife Naomi of Lincoln, Neb.; Selma and husband Milton Schmidt of Walton; Martha and husband Homer Waltner of Freeman, S. D.; one sister, Mrs. Anna Voth; four sisters-in-law: Mrs. Lena Fast, Mrs. Susie Unruh, Mrs. Katie Schmidt, and Miss Mary Unruh; and six grandchildren.

As children we are grateful to have had a father who pointed us to a life rich toward God and our fellowmen. His companionship meant much to us and we look forward to meeting him where there is no shadow of parting and we shall be forever with the Lord.—The Family.