Fast, John A. (1879-1955)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Sep 22 p. 8

Birth date: 1879 Jan 29

text of obituary:

JOHN A. FAST

John A. Fast was born to Abraham and Sarah Gossen Fast in Grossweide, South Russia on Jan. 29, 1879. He emigrated with his parents, sisters and brothers to the United States in 1887, coming to Lamberton, Minn., where they lived until 1900, when they moved to Mountain Lake, Minn. In 1901 he came to North Dakota. He settled in Henderson Township, near Munich, where he lived until 1949, when because of failing health he retired and moved into the town of Munich.

On Oct. 11, 1902, he was baptized upon confession of his faith in Jesus Christ by Rev. John Bartel and received as a member of the Salem Mennonite church at Munich, where he remained a member until the time of his death. He was active in the work of the Sunday School, serving as superintendent for many years.

On Sept. 10, 1903, he was married to Anna Thiessen at Munich. Six children were born to this union, of which two preceded him in death. In September 1953 they were privileged to commemorate their golden wedding anniversary, the first such occasion in the history of the church.

He was a kind and loving husband and father, concerned about the welfare of his family, and always willing and ready to help others. He never complained during his last illness and often expressed his desire to go Home. As head of the home, he maintained a family altar where he daily remembered his loved ones before the Throne of Grace. We miss him, but know that he is present with the Lord whom he loved and humbly tried to serve.

In June 1947 he became very ill, and was hospitalized for some time. He returned home, but never fully recovered. In March 1950 he was confined to his home by illness for five weeks, and was bedfast for three weeks. This last April he became ill again, and was hospitalized in May. He again returned home, but upon the advice of the doctors he was taken to a specialist at Minot several times.

On July 23 he became very ill and was taken to the hospital at Cando, where he gradually became weaker and went to be with his Lord who had redeemed him. He reached the age of 76 years and six months.

Surviving are his wife and the following children: John T. and Tina Fast of Warroad, Minn., Anna Fast of Devils Lake, N. Dak., Mrs. Marie Friesen of Munich, and Sara and Charles Anderson of Starkweather, N. Dak. He also leaves five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, all of his sisters and brothers, twin daughters who died in infancy, a son-in-law, and two grandchildren.

Funeral services were held on August 2, with Rev. H. F. Ortmann in charge at the home. A song that he had requested to be sung at his funeral, “Wiedersehn,” was sung by a mixed quartet. At the church Rev. Ortman and Rev. G. W. Schroeder officiated. A men’s quartet sang at the church, and a trio sang at the graveside services. — The Family.