The book of Isaiah 40:31 reads:
“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
Although mom was slightly confused prior to passing due to her age and medical condition, she softly, soberly, and solemnly asked me:
“The Lord and dad are trying to grab my hand. How do I let them have it?”
It is a moment I will always cherish and treasure-mom passing peacefully into eternity right before my very eyes. Reflecting afterward on this supernatural, heavenly-inspired instant in linear time, I realized God is always thinking of His children, even at the moment of death.
Anna B. (Fiest) Farstad was born on July 29, 1933 in Fort Yates, North Dakota to Margaret and Balzer Feist. She grew up on a family farm in Selfridge, North Dakota. While on the farm she prepared meals alongside her mom, which was her childhood dream.
She met the love of her life, Leonard Farstad in McIntosh, South Dakota. My dad would often share with us the story of how they first met:
“She was on a date with my friend, and I was their driver. I took one look at her and
dropped off my friend. Then I decided that she was the woman I was going to marry.”
They were married soon after in 1952, and moved to Watuaga, South Dakota where they resided on a farm for a few years. During that time, their three children were born: Eugene, Valerie, and Laverne.
Leonard and Anna decided to move from the farm to McIntosh, South Dakota. While living in McIntosh, Anna worked in a restaurant until they purchased the local gas station. Then Mom quit the restaurant. Subsequently, the family purchased the local Dairy Queen. Mom loved serving ice cream to all the children and especially to my dad.
When the economy shifted downward and made life difficult to sustain the business, the family moved to Anaconda, Montana. Dad worked in the mine and mom made sure meals were cooked and lunches packed for the family every day. When the mine shut down, they returned to Selfridge.
They realized how much they had missed the farm life. Mom had her garden and loved cooking meals. Family gatherings always happened Sundays. Anna loved trying out new recipes and different dishes. Every weekend dad and mom went dancing. She always dressed up and her outfits always matched perfectly.
They sold the farm in 1985 and ten years later, they packed-up a little U-Haul and moved to Mesa, Arizona. This was a very happy time for them. They danced every day, played cards-especially pinochle-and Anna continued to prepare meals for her family and friends.
Throughout their life together, they delightfully energized each other with love and laughter. Married 59 years, their wedded bliss gently faded when my father passed in 2012. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was always engaged in every aspect of family life and events. She will be remembered as a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.
Anna is survived by her son Eugene Farstad, daughter Valerie Vigil (and Keith Heffner), Geri Farstad (Daughter-in-Law), grandchildren Brian Farstad, Jason Farstad (and Mary Hoffman), Robert Vigil (and Tara), Greg Vigil, Tiana Robbins (and Beau), John Farstad, (and Sara), Justin Farstad (and Jacqueline) and Jenna Farstad, 13 great grandchildren, sister Helen Holzer, Diane Feist (Sister-in-Law) brothers Stan Feist (and Kelly Kaufman) and Leo Feist (and Cynthia).
She is preceded in death by Leonard Farstad (husband), Laverne Farstad (Son), Margaret Feist, (mother), Balzer Feist (father), Raymond Feist (brother), Joseph Feist (brother), and Shannon Vigil (Granddaughter-in-law).
A celebration of life memorial service will be held at a favorite location with family and friends.
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