On March 19, 2022, “Bob” Fast, 89, passed away in Southlake Village in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Chad Power will preside over the services on Friday, March 25, at First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hastings. Parkview Cemetery in Hastings will host a private family burial with military services performed by the Hastings Military Honor Guard. The funeral home will be open for visitation on Thursday, March 24, from 1 to 7 p.m. with family present from 5-7 p.m. The visitation will not have Marlene in attendance. Donations to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation or First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, c/o of the family, may be made in place of flowers. The funeral home’s website, Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home, will broadcast the service live. Visit Bob’s obituary and click the play button toward the bottom of the page to watch the service.
Paul and Marie Fast gave birth to Bob on October 4, 1932, in Hastings, Nebraska. He attended Alcott Elementary School and earned his high school diploma in 1950 from Hastings Senior High School. Bob joined the U.S. Navy in January of 1952. He served on board the USS Loeser, DE after boot camp. As a Sonarman 2nd Class, he received an honorable discharge in 1955. Before it closed in the summer of 1981, he relocated to Hastings and joined the family-run Fast Construction Company as a partner. Then, until his retirement in 1995, Bob worked for Geist Masonry in Grand Island.
On July 26, 1953, Bob wed Marlene Bresley at her parents’ residence in Ord, Nebraska. They lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Key West, Florida, when he was in the Navy. Once released, they relocated to Hastings, Nebraska. Five children—Jerry, Chuck, Marvin, Audrey, and Susan—were the result of this union.
Bob enjoyed many enjoyable hours cheering on his sons’ football and baseball teams. Later in life, he delighted in watching his grandchildren take part in a range of sports, musical performances, and other pursuits. He was incredibly pleased of the accomplishments of his grandchildren.
Bob took pleasure in tending to his garden and working in his yard. He often plucked a lot of pears and peaches from the trees. Before Oliver, the family cat, was no longer able to prevent squirrels from stealing bites out of each piece of fruit, he enjoyed sharing them with family.
For Bob, the cabin at Johnson Lake held special significance. He cherished having dinner with friends and family, going fishing, and playing cards. Their family still enjoys coming together at the cabin to this day.
Bob also cherished his trips to the Black Hills, Colorado, and Yellowstone in the pop-up tent camper. Bob and Marlene frequented Branson, Missouri after their children had grown, taking in the performances and holiday decorations. Key West, Florida, where Bob was stationed in the Navy, was the location of one of their last special trips.
Bob had attended First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church his entire childhood. On December 18, 1932, he was baptized, and on April 14, 1946, he was confirmed. Bob was a council member for the church. He worked as a cashier, greeter, and usher as well.
In addition to his parents, siblings Fred and Georgia Fast, Bill and Iona Fast, Rosemarie and Melvin Farris, and nephew Gary Farris also predeceased Bob.
Marlene, his wife of 68 years, is still alive. He is also survived by his children and spouses, Jerry and Debi Fast of Kearney, Chuck and Wendy Fast of Lincoln, Marvin and Jeannette Fast of Hastings, Audrey and John Steider of Geneva, and Susan and Alan Givens of Lincoln; grandchildren, spouses, and great-grandchildren, Bryan and Jenna Fast, Emilie, Barrett, and Phoebe of Kearney; Kevin and Jill Fast and James
