Arlene Muriel Einolander Fast, age 100 and a half years old, passed into glory on Monday, June 22, 2026. She was born to Oscar and Benita Einolander on November 9, 1925 in Duluth, Minnesota. She was united in marriage to Captain Charles Glenn Fast, USAF, on June 16, 1945 at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in La Crescenta, California.

Raised in southern California, she graduated from Glendale High School in 1943. She attended Immaculate Heart of Mary College in Hollywood, CA; Chouinard Art Institute, Los Angeles, CA; and Missouri State Teachers College (now Truman University) in Kirksville, MO.

Arlene was a member of the First Assembly of God church in Kirksville. She taught bible classes for fifty years before retiring. She also served as a teacher in the Release Time Education Program in Portland, OR. She was a church organist, youth director, and parish worker in various churches.

Arlene was a longtime supporter of the Kirksville Art Association. She exhibited her painting and crafts at the Red Barn Festival for over twenty years. She had a craft business called “A Touch of Whimsy” and taught craft classes locally. She was also on the board of the League of Women Voters when they were active in Kirksville.

Highlights of her life include receiving a prize for designing a float for the Pasadena Rose Parade, serving as a member of the Civil Air Patrol, and as a member of the USO during World War 2. She received an award from the U.S. Navy for creating a model of enemy aircraft for instant recognition of enemy aircraft for pilot training. In her lifetime, she enjoyed three trips to Israel, climbed Mount Sinai, and participated in archeological digs.

Proceeding her in death were her husband Charles, brother Dennis Einolander, and grandsons Timothy Fast and Jeffrey Fast. She is survived by her son Gregg Fast and wife Ruth; son Glenn Fast and wife Patricia; and daughter Gaylinn Fast. Also surviving are her sister Diane Warren; grandchildren Tonya, Jake, Beau Justin, and Grace; great-grandchildren Lily, Owen, Jaiden, Rylee, and Grayson; her great-great-granddaughter, extended family, and loved ones.

Her body has been willed to the Department of Anatomy at A.T. Still University. A memorial service will be held on August 8, 2026 from 10:30am to 12pm at the First Assembly of God Church, Kirksville, MO.

In Lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to First Assembly of God, Kirksville, MO if desired. Donations may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.