Katherine (Katie) Fast

Obituary

It is with deep sadness that the family of Katherine (Katie/Kathy) Fast announces her passing on March 24, 2026, at Grace Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

She will be sadly missed but lovingly remembered by her brother Victor (Rebecca), sisters Helen Schulz, Margaret and Betty, sister-in-law Lorna Fast, and numerous nieces, nephews, friends and acquaintances.

Katie was predeceased by her parents Rev. David J. Fast and Agatha (nee Schroeder), sisters Hedy Fast, Irene Kroeker (Abe) and Erna Enns (Egon), brothers Arthur (Helen), Peter (Vera), Hans (died in infancy), Rudy and brother-in-law Waldo Schulz.

Katie was born in Steinbach, Manitoba, and raised on a dairy farm in Chortitz (now Randolph) along with her 10 brothers and sisters. It was an active, busy place where the children were expected to help with milking, feeding, cleaning manure troughs, baling, harvesting and so much more. There was a large kitchen garden that needed attention, daily meals to prepare, younger children to care for and seemingly endless other chores each day. But there was also time for music, friends, school and play.

Katie was a loving, caring person. She had a zest for life, ready laugh and silly sense of humour loved by her nieces and nephews, and others. One time she asked a nephew for help buying a car. Not sure what his aunt was looking for, he suggested a number of reliable, economical cars. No way. She wanted something sporty and eventually settled on a Ford Mustang.

In her early twenties wanderlust got the better of her. She spent a challenging year in Evanston, Illinois, on the outskirts of Chicago, helping a group of Mennonite couples and singles assist underprivileged families with their many challenges.

Most of her career was spent as a medical support worker at Winnipeg Clinic in the city’s downtown. She enjoyed social activities and her life was busy with family, friends, sports (like curling), birding, the arts and travel. Katie loved classical music. She had a beautiful, natural alto singing voice and through-out her life sang in community and church choirs. In her later years she generously helped her younger nieces and nephews with childcare and other support.

As Katie’s life became more fragile and her hearing and memory loss became an issue, she moved into Bethel Place and later Lindenwood Terrace when her needs were greater than friends and family could provide.

She was admitted to Grace Hospital on March 19, 2026, where she died peacefully a few days later, surrounded by nieces, nephews and friends. Her song is ended but the melody lingers on.

The memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Bethel Mennonite Church, 465 Stafford Street, Winnipeg, MB.