Della Mae Elizabeth Fast

Della Mae (Hildahl) Fast

November 4, 1932 - March 23, 2026

Della is survived by her daughter Sharon (Fast), and son-in-law Keith Steichen; her cherished grandsons, Aaron and Andrew Steichen; her brother Rodney Hildahl and wife Loretta; her sister Marjorie Hildahl; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents Anton and Hilda Hildahl, husband Richard Fast, and sisters Lorraine Linné and Norma Yeager.

Della Fast, a devoted nurse and an encouragement to many, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 23, 2026 in North Oaks, Minnesota. A woman of profound faith and service, she leaves behind a legacy of love.

A Life of Care: Della was born on November 4, 1932 in Roseau, Minnesota. She grew up on a farm and loved her childhood as one of five siblings. Della enjoyed attending church, Bible camp, and playing and working on the farm. Caring for family members helped develop her innate calling towards nursing.

She moved to Minneapolis after high school, where she graduated from the Mounds-Midway School of Nursing. As a Registered Nurse, she dedicated her early career to serving the community at General Hospital, Swedish Hospital, and Lake Street Clinic.

Her nursing skills remained a gift to others throughout her life. She volunteered as a school nurse at every level of Sharon's education: from elementary school to Minnehaha Academy, to Bethel University. Also, Della happily provided leadership to numerous non-profit organizations throughout the years.

A Life of Faith: In 1957, Della married the love of her life, Richard "Dick" Fast. Their 63-year marriage was a beautiful foundation of mutual devotion. Together, they served Bethlehem Baptist Church as members, where Della was committed to serving as Sunday School Superintendent along with various other roles.

Above all, Della was rooted in her faith in Jesus Christ. Known to many as a bright light, she was always encouraging and bringing joy to others. She found multiple ways to love and care for those around her. Della lived with the quiet peace and certain hope that Jesus was her Savior.

A Creative and Adventurous Heart: Della expressed her appreciation for culture and the arts through painting, intricate needlework, and sewing. She showed her creativity as a gracious host where she shared her talents of cooking. Della welcomed family, friends, and business clients into their home for well-planned and memorable dinner parties. Both Dick and Della loved music, attending live performances whenever they had the opportunity.

Dick and Della shared a deep passion for exploring the world. Their marriage was filled with extensive travel, including living in the Netherlands for several years with Sharon.

Family: Family was a high priority to Della as evidenced by her devotion to Sharon. She had a special bond with Sharon, which was cultivated and continued to grow throughout her entire life. Della and Sharon were extremely close in childhood and as Sharon became an adult they became dear friends. Della and Sharon shared the same faith, love of family and friends, values, sense of humor, fashion, fondness for flowers, appreciation for literature, the arts, and music.

Della embraced Keith as her son-in-law and welcomed him into their family as a son. They developed a unique and special relationship which was built on love and admiration.

She treasured her grandsons, Aaron and Andrew. Della always made time for them and their relationship flourished as they grew older. She was involved and present in their lives, babysitting, driving carpool, attending sports and school events, having them over for a meal and conversations, playing board and card games, hosting holidays and birthdays, and loving them unconditionally.

Keith, Sharon, Aaron, and Andrew helped Della through the later stages of her life. From her journey of living at home to independent living to memory care to hospice, it was an honor and privilege to serve this remarkable woman. Along with others, we were blessed by God to have known Della Mae Fast.

The Funeral is Monday, March 30, 2026

The North Church, 5151 Program Avenue, Mounds View, Minnesota 55112

The Visitation begins at 1:00 PM, and the Service begins at 2:00 PM.

Reception to follow.There will be a Livestream of the Service - Details to follow.

The Internment is Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Fort Snelling Cemetery, Minnesota at 10:30 AM