Fast, Lena Balzer (1883-1972)

Fast, Helena "Lena" J. Fast

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1972 Mar 16 p. 8

Date of Birth: 1883 Nov 2, Greenfield community, Kansas
Date of Death: 1972 Mrch 8, Kansas

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1972 Jun 8p. 11

text of obituary:

LENA BALZER FAST

Mrs. Lena Fast, daughter of Peter and Maria (Schmidt) Balzer, was born on Nov. 2, 1883, in the Greenfield community, Marion County, Kansas, and departed this life on March 8, 1972.

In her teenage years she recognized her need of Jesus Christ as her Saviour, and upon confession of faith, she was baptized on May 26, 1901, by Rev. Peter Balzer and was received into the Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church. When the Tabor church was organized, she transferred her membership there.

She married Peter B. Fast on Jan. 12, 1910, in the Tabor Mennonite Church with P. H. Richert officiating. Later they became charter members of the Goessel Mennonite Church. They shared life's experiences for 56 years and were blessed with nine children. They observed their 25th wedding anniversary on Jan. 12, 1935 and on April 15, 1960, the 50th anniversary. Her husband died on Feb. 16, 1966.

We will remember our dear mother for her great concern about our spiritual welfare and her wonderful hospitality to friends and family. With fondness we recall her enjoyment of beloved hymns which she often sang.

Those of us who have put our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and are looking to the glorious reunion are: Mrs. Linda Frey, Anton and wife Betty, Arnold and wife Elsie, Adina and husband Roy, Irvin and wife Alice, Elda and husband David, Orlando and wife Maxine, Ruth and husband Howard, three sisters-in-law, 26 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. One son, one son-in-law, two grandchildren, and one great-grandchild preceded her in death.

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MLA Personal Photos Collection

Biographical note:
Goessel, Kansas
Daughter of Peter and Maria (Schmidt) Balzer
Married Peter B. Fast 1910 January 12, Newton, Kansas
Homemaker -- Goessel, Kansas

Bethel alumni note:

Photo holdings:
Individual, Lena Balzer -- Newton, Kansas
Individual, Lena Balzer -- Newton, Kansas
See Peter B. Fast (1882-1966) for wedding photo

Sources:
Hein. Baltzer Gen. 1959 p. 118, 127
MWR R/21/1966, p.8 (husband)
Grandma Profile 30799
Find A Grave 52711714, Lena J. Balzer Fast
Individual photos from Leanore (Friesen) Klassen 1994