Fast, Gerhard L. (1929-1966)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1966 Sep 29 p. 3

Birth date: 1929

text of obituary:

Farmer Fatally Hurt When Pinned Under Drawbar of Tractor

Mt. Lake, Minn. — Memorial services for Gerhard L. Fast, 37, who was fatally injured when pinned under the drawbar of a tractor, were conducted at the E.M.B. Church here Friday forenoon, Sept. 23.

The unusual accident occurred Saturday evening, Sept. 17, at the farm of Mr. Fast's mother, Mrs. Gerhard H. Fast. He died Sept. 20 at a Mankato hospital.

Details of the accident are not clear, but it is believed Mr. Fast was trying to stop a run-away tractor in the farmyard and was thrown under the drawbar. The front of the machine climbed another tractor on the yard, and the churning drive wheels dug into the ground, adding to the pressure on Mr. Fast's body. The engine was finally shut off by his nine-year-old son.

Neighbors came to the scene and used a jack to release Mr. Fast.

Surviving in addition to his mother are his widow, Mary, and four children of the home; three sisters; and Jeanette McBride, who has lived with the Fasts the past seven years.