Fast, Anna Thiessen (1880-1959)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1959 Apr 9 p. 8

Birth date: 1880 Jun 20

text of obituary:

ANNA THIESSEN FAST

Anna Thiessen Fast, daughter of Abraham and Maria Friesen Thiessen, was born on June 20, 1880, at Henderson, Neb.where she spent the first 15 years of her life.

The family moved to Butterfield, Minn. in 1895. It was here, on June 2, 1900, that she was baptized upon confession of her faith in Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour by Elder H. H. Regier. On Sept. 12, 1902, the family moved to North Dakota and settled in Cavalier County, Trier Township, on a farm about five and one-half miles northwest of the present site of Munich. The following year she united with the Salem Mennonite Church of which she remained a faitful [sic'] member until her departure.

On Sept. 10, 1903, she was united in marriage to John A. Fast at Munich. They established their home on a farm three and one-half miles southeast of Munich. Six children were born to this union, of which two preceded her in death. In 1949 they moved their home to Munich. In September 1953 they were privileged to commemorate their golden wedding anniversary, the first such occasion in the history of the church. She and her husband shared joys and sorrows for 51 years, 10 months and 26 days. Her companion went to his heavenly Home on July 29, 1955.

She was a kind and loving wife and mother, always concerned about the welfare of her family and church. She spent many hours thinking of and praying for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mother enjoyed fair health. In1946 she submitted to an eye operation at Minot. She was left with impaired vision. In the fall of1955 her health began to fail, beginning with a light stroke. Mother had several strokes, and each one left her a bit more helpless. In November 1956 she had another stroke and she then was confined to her home. Since November 1957 mother had been unable to walk and spent her time in a wheel chair. She never complained about her illness and was fully resigned to God's will. She accepted her illness cheerfully and bore it courageously.

On Sunday evening, March 15, she suffered another stroke and her condition became gradually worse. On March 17 at 4:30 a.m. she suddenly went to be with her Lord and Master. She reached the age of 78 years, eight months and 27 days.

She leaves to mourn her departure: one son, John T. Fast of Warroad; three daughters, Anna at home, Marie (Mrs. Nick Friesen) of Munich, and Sara (Mrs. Charles Anderson) of Starkweather; one daughter-in-law, Tina; one son-in-law, Charles Anderson; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; one brother A. A. Thiessen of Munich; two sisters, Sarah (Mrs. C. I. Friesen) of Grand Forks, and Mrs. Justina Roberts of Munich; three sisters-in-law and two brother-in laws [sic]; and a host of relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, one son-in-law, Nick Friesen, twin daughters who died in infancy, two grandchildren, three sisters and two brothers.

We rejoice in the fact that mother had the assurance she was ready to go and be with her Lord. We mourn not as those who have to hope.

Funeral services were held on March 20 at 2 p.m.at the Salem Mennonite Church in Munich. Rev. John J. Hofer, her pastor, conducted the service. His sermon text was John 11:28b. Rev. A. Friesen of Wolf Point, Mont., a nephew of the deceased, spoke a few comforting words. He based his remarks on Phil. 1:21. A men's quartet and a ladies trio furnish- [sic] music.

Graveside services were conducted by her pastor. Burial was made in the South Salem Cemetery.