Adeline Sarah Fast-Janzen went to be with her Lord Jan. 8, 2026, in Brainerd, MN, after a long illness. She had been living in Brainerd the last 7 years to be closer to her family. A graveside service is being planned in her remembrance May 1st at 11:00 A.M. at the Riverside Cemetery.
Adeline was born to John and Sarah Harder, Dec. 4, 1931 in Lostwood, N.D. She was welcomed home by big brother Alvin and later the family welcomed little brother Jerry. Because of the depression, the family moved to Warroad, MN in 1937 to continue farming. The family felt fortunate to find 80 acres with a 16×20 cement house to live in at first. Low German was the spoken language of the family and church during the years she was growing up. Despite the hard work of plowing the “new” land with horses, the family spirit was strong. Tales were often told of the very large hungry mosquitos that loved to snack on all the newcomers.
Adeline married Donald J. Fast March 1, 1951in the Woodland Mennonite Church in rural Warroad, Mn. Together they welcomed 3 children. Bonnie (Greg) Nygren, Craig (Janelle) Fast and Carole (Glen) Roseen. Don and Adeline started farming in Warroad. Adeline enjoyed being a homemaker, having coffee with friends and family, playing piano and accordion by ear, crocheting, embroidery and trying new crafts. She could often be found helping on the farm where there was always lots to do. She was also employed by the Marvin family and the Marvin Window Company. She retired in 1997. Don passed away in August, 1995.
She is survived by her 3 children, 1 younger brother, 6 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.
Adeline married Willian Janzen a few years after Don passed away. She and Will lived in Mountain Lake, MN during the summers and spent winters in Arizona. During the summer she enjoyed her large garden, planting flowers, watching the Twins, and making new friends. In Arizona, she enjoyed taking craft classes, especially hardanger and Brazilian embroidery.
Will and Adeline traveled to many new places which they both enjoyed. She really enjoyed visiting the desert and seeing the many flowers and cactus that grew there. Will passed away in October 2017.
Any memorials may be contributed to Alzheimer’s research to further help eradicate this horrible disease.
Last modified: 04/27/2026
