Silvan Fast, age 56, of Iroquois, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, October 3, 2017, at the Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. His funeral service was held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, October 7th at the Faith Mennonite Church, rural Iroquois. Burial was in the Faith Mennonite Church Cemetery.
Silvan Ross Fast was born in De Smet, South Dakota, on January 5, 1961. He was the youngest of the nine children of Percy and Evelyn Fast. He attended school in the Bancroft and Iroquois school districts.
After committing his life to God, Silvan was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on September 28, 1975, by Minister Raymond Ensz. He had a simple trusting faith that was alive until his passing.
On June 26, 1983, he was married to Anne Penner at Iroquois, South Dakota. We had 34 beautiful years together. We made our home on the home place where Silvan spent his childhood days. Five children were born to us and many precious memories were made.
Dad's greatest treasure was his family and he gave himself tirelessly for us. He guided his family with a patient, gentle spirit and left us with a shining example to follow. Many happy times were spent working together on the farm and in the cabinet shop. Meals shared, family devotions, and family vacations are golden memories. His favorite places to take his family were Lake Superior and the Black Hills. Special family times often included singing. He loved being grandpa to his six grandchildren and always looked forward to when they would come visit.
Three years were spent in Nigeria doing mission work from July 1996 to July 1999. This was a very rewarding and rich time in his life. Special bonds were made that he treasured very much.
Silvan loved to work with his hands and poured his talents into each piece of custom cabinetry or furniture he designed and built. He enjoyed interacting with his customers and they became his friends. He also enjoyed being a farmer and took great care in growing crops and raising cattle.
For the past two years Silvan fought lymphoma valiantly. He wanted so badly to remain with his family, but God had a different plan. Silvan resigned himself to his Maker, who held his life in His hands. As we as his family look to the unknown future, we can hear him quietly and confidently saying, "You can do it."
Those left to cherish fond memories are his dear wife, Anne of Iroquois, South Dakota; five children, Rachel and Chet Yost and their children, Kiana, Keller, Jaxon, and Ambree of Coon Valley, Wisconsin; Jesse and Louann Fast of Iroquois, South Dakota; Amanda and Steven Bartel and their children, Maleah and Ellianne of Roblin, Manitoba; Jordan and Staci Fast of Iroquois, South Dakota; and Kimilee Fast of Iroquois, South Dakota.
Silvan is also survived by three brothers, Delbert & Jane Fast of Greeley, Colorado; Dalin & Arlene Fast of Iroquois, South Dakota; and Sherwin & Roberta Fast of Champlin, Minnesota; four sisters, Roberta Fast of Iroquois, South Dakota; Aldene & Tim Holdeman of De Ridder, Lousiana; Venora & Gene Ensz of Del Norte, Colorado; Rhonda & Sid Yost of Ronan, Montana; and one sister in law: Miriam Fast of Fountain Run, Kentucky; parents-in-law: Abe & Clarabel Penner of Iroquois, South Dakota; two brothers-in-law, Phil & Marilyn Penner of Iroquois, South Dakota; Jon & Jenny Penner of Iroquois, South Dakota; and one sister-in-law, Jean & Darrell Amoth of Pipestone, Minnesota.
Silvan was preceded in death by his parents, Percy & Evelyn Fast of Iroquois, South Dakota; one brother, Les Fast of Fountain Run, Kentucky; and four nephews.