Fast, Peter B. (1863-1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Dec 25 p.6

Birth date: 1863 Mar 30

text of obituary:

. . .

— Peter B. Fast, resident of the Halstead community who farmed in Scott County for a number of years, died Dec. 19 at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Eva Koehn, near Halstead. He was 95 years of age. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the Grace Mennonite Church near Halstead, Rev. Arnold Wiggers and Rev. Carl Dirks officiating. Mr. Fast is survived by three sons, seven daughters, 37 grandchildren and 87 great-grandchildren.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1959 Jan 8 p. 8

text of obituary:

PETER FAST

Peter Fast was born March 30, 1863, in Russia and passed away at the home of his children, Eva and Clarence Koehn of Halstead, Kansas, on Dec. 19, 1958, reaching the age of 95 years, eight months, and 19 days.

At the age of eleven years he with others came to Canada where he grew to manhood. He is the oldest of this group of immigrants that came to Canada in 1874.

In the year 1884 he felt the need of a Saviour, repented, and found forgiveness of his sins. Upon the confession of his faith, he was baptized and became a member of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, remaining a faithful member until the end.

On Jan. 6, 1885, he was united in marriage to Anna Toews. To this union were born three sons and six daughters. After having shared joys and sorrows for 18 years, his companion passed on to her home above Jan. 15, 1903.

On Feb. 12, 1911, he was joined in marriage with Sarah Smith. This union was blessed with two sons and two daughters. They were privileged to live together for nearly 45 years. On Jan. 16, 1956, it pleased our Heavenly Father to take her to her heavenly home.

After the death of mother, his daughter Justina kept house for him. He enjoyed fair health until about three months ago when his health began to fail quite rapidly. The last two weeks he was taken care of at the home of his children, Eva and Clarence Koehn. Thursday evening he felt quite well, eating his supper with the family. He retired for the night and at 3:00 o'clock was found to feel as usual. A little later in the morning when they came to his bed they found that he had fallen into a deep and peaceful sleep.

He was a devoted Christian father, having a deep concern for his loved ones. His prayer was that they all would be saved. It was his foremost desire to live for Christ Who died for him. After the death of his wife he had a great longing to leave this world and be at rest, yet commiting [sic] it in the hands of a loving God who does all things well.

Besides living in Canada, he lived at Langdon, North Dakota, Inman Kansas, Scott County, Kansas, and the last 15 years in Halstead, Kansas.

He leaves to mourn his departure three sons and seven daughters, Mrs. Anna Reimer of Steinbach, Manitoba, Mrs. Katherine Reimer of Crooked Creek, Alberta, Peter Fast of Langdon, North Dakota, Mrs. Helena Holderman of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, Mrs. Mary Holderman of Wolf Point, Montana, Mrs. Susie Flemming [sic Fleming] of Seattle, Wash., Clifford Fast of Atmore, Alabama, Justina of the home, Mrs. Eva Koehn of Halstead, Kansas, and Cornelius Fast, serving with the U. S. Navy in Italy; 44 grandchildren, 87 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; four brothers; four sisters; and a host of relatives and friends.

His wife, two sons, one daughter and 6 grandchildren preceded him in death.