Marilyn Jean Fast

Marilyn Jean Fast age 89, of Butterfield, MN died on May 21, 2025, at her home.

A graveside service will be held at the First Mennonite Cemetery-Butterfield, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 11:00 am.

A reception will take place at the First Mennonite Church-Butterfield immediately following the interment.

Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in St. James, Minnesota.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Marilyn Jean (Williams) Fast was born February 23, 1936, to James and Doris Williams in St. James, MN. She grew up there with her brother Donald, and her sister, Lois.  Marilyn’s first greatest blessing came when she met Melvin on December 1st, 1951. From the moment he saw her, Melvin knew he had found the one he wanted to share his life and farm with. They were married February 1st, 1953. Her second and third greatest blessings came with the births of her sons - Stanley on September 25, 1953 and Steven on April 12, 1955. Along with her young sons, she settled beautifully into her role of being on a farm. From milking cows, feeding pigs, tending flowers, making meals and field lunches, raising children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she did it all with grace. “Beautiful” is the perfect word to describe Marilyn. She was beautiful in mind, body, soul and spirit.

Marilyn’s most cherished relationship was the one she had with the Lord. She would speak with him daily, referring to him as her “best friend”, knowing that one day, she would have the pleasure of meeting him and being in his presence.  Marilyn received that most precious gift when she went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

She will be deeply missed by her loving husband of 72 years, Melvin Fast; sons, Stanley (Monica) and Steven (Janice) Fast of Butterfield; grandchildren, David of Butterfield, Jesse (Rebecca) of Butterfield, Heather (Aaron) of Owatonna, Laura (John) of Palm Coast, FL, Matt (Sarah) of Butterfield, Randy (Jeremy) of Mtn. Lake, Tina (Damian) of Delavan, Misty (Travis) of Butterfield and Melanie (Ron) of Faribault, MN; 25 great-grandchildren and 4.5 great-great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by many brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, very special friend Doretta Loewen, as well as many other friends and loved ones.

All who knew her will forever miss her beautiful smile, warm hugs, hot cups of coffee, and her love of Jesus.

“Well done, good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your Lord.” - Matthew 25:21