Fast, David H. (1881-1960)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Feb 18 p. 3

Birth date: 1881 Dec 9

text of obituary:

LONG-TIME TEACHER AT MT. LAKE BIBLE SCHOOL CALLED BY DEATH

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.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Feb 25 p. 8

text of obituary:

DAVID H. FAST

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 months of retirement mostly in the home. During this time he read many useful books and other good literature. The many Scripture verses and songs which he had committed to memory earlier in life became increasingly precious to him and were a source of strength.

Early in November 1959 it became evident that he was suffering from cerebral cerosis [sic cirrhosis?] complicated by thrombosis. This illness left him helpless in bed during the last eight weeks of his life. He patiently endured his affliction until Friday, Feb. 5, when he was called to his reward. He reached the age of 78 years, one months, and 27 days.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by two sisters, Sarah, Mrs. A. J. Becker of Mt. Lake, and Maria, Mrs. H. H. Schultz of Lustre, Mont. and two brothers, John H. Fast and Henry H. Fast, both of Mt. Lake. Two brothers and two sisters died in infancy.

Those who mourn his departure are his wife, Elizabeth and six children: Erna of Pittsburgh,Pa.; F. David and wife Yolande of Santa Monica, Calif.; Salome, her husband Justus Holsinger and four children of Wichita, Kan.; Marvin, his wife Diane and four children of Ann Arber, Mich.; Willard, his wife Betty and three children of Alpena, Mich.; and Elizabeth and her husband,John E. Jantzen, of Mt. Lake. Also surviving are one brother, George H. Fast of Mt. Lake, several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law in each of the Fast/Eitzen, and Warkentin families, and a large circle of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Memorial services were conducted at the Bethel Mennonite church on Feb. 8, with Rev. Albert Gaeddert officiating assisted by Rev. A. H. Schultz. Music was furnished by a mixed quartet, with Rev. Orland Schmidt at the organ. Interment was made in the Mt. Lake cemetery. — The Family.