Natasha Mae Fester: A Life of Compassion and Service
The passing of Natasha Mae Fester, affectionately known as “Tasha,” on March 13, 2024, has left a profound void in the hearts of her family, friends, and community. At just 33 years old, Tasha was a beloved mother, wife, nurse, and friend whose life was dedicated to caring for others. This article reflects on her life, her contributions, and the legacy she leaves behind.
Early Life and Background
Natasha Mae Fester was born on September 13, 1990, in Willmar, Minnesota, to Jeff and Lisa (Chase) Adkins. From a young age, Tasha demonstrated a caring and outgoing nature, traits that would define her throughout her life. She was baptized at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Chokio and later confirmed her faith at Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar.
Growing up in Willmar, Tasha was actively involved in her community and school. She graduated from Willmar High School with the Class of 2009, where she participated in the Cardettes Dance Team, volleyball, track, and the Future Farmers of America (FFA). Her friendly and approachable personality helped her forge many lasting friendships during these formative years.
Education and Career
Tasha’s passion for helping others led her to pursue a career in nursing. After high school, she attended Ridgewater College, where she earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) degree. She continued her education at Rasmussen College in St. Cloud, obtaining her Registered Nurse (RN) degree, and later attended Mankato State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Her educational journey didn’t stop there. In August 2023, Tasha proudly earned her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) degree from the University of North Dakota. This significant achievement allowed her to further her career and expand her ability to care for patients in a more specialized role.
Tasha began working at CentraCare Rice Memorial Hospital as a PMHNP in November 2023. Her dedication to her work and her compassionate approach to patient care made her an invaluable asset to the hospital and a cherished colleague among her peers. Tasha’s work brought comfort and healing to many, and she truly looked forward to going to work each day.
Family Life
On July 7, 2012, Tasha married Matthew Fester at Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar. Their marriage was a union filled with love, support, and shared dreams. Together, they were blessed with four beautiful children: Mason (12), Marshel (8), Maxton (5), and MaKinlee (3). Tasha’s role as a mother was one she cherished deeply. Her children were the light of her life, and she devoted herself to their happiness and well-being.
The Fester family initially made their home in Atwater for nine years before moving to Grove City in 2019. Tasha’s life in Grove City was marked by her active involvement in the community and her unwavering commitment to her family. She was a loving wife and a doting mother who always put her family first.
The Tragic Loss
Tasha’s passing on March 13, 2024, came as a shock to all who knew her. The news of her death at her home in Grove City left many in mourning. Tasha was a vibrant, caring, and dedicated individual whose life was cut tragically short. Her loss has been deeply felt by her family, friends, and the community she served so faithfully.
Celebrating Tasha’s Life
A Mass of Christian Burial for Natasha Mae Fester will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, March 18, 2024, at the Church of St. Mary in Willmar. Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, March 17, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm at the Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar, and will continue for one hour before her service at the church. The funeral will also be livestreamed, allowing those unable to attend in person to pay their respects online.
The family has requested that memorials be directed to the “Fester children,” ensuring that Tasha’s legacy continues through the support of her beloved children.
A Legacy of Care and Compassion
Tasha’s life was a testament to the power of love, compassion, and dedication. As a nurse, she provided care to those in need with a gentle touch and a kind heart. Her work at CentraCare Rice Memorial Hospital and her previous roles demonstrated her commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
Beyond her professional life, Tasha was known for her warmth, her ability to connect with others, and her unwavering dedication to her family. She was a mother who poured her heart and soul into raising her children, a wife who stood by her husband through thick and thin, and a friend who could always be counted on.
Conclusion
The life of Natasha Mae Fester was one of purpose, love, and service. Though her time with us was far too short, her impact will be felt for years to come. As her family, friends, and community gather to celebrate her life, they do so with heavy hearts but also with gratitude for the time they had with her. Tasha’s legacy will live on in the memories of those who loved her and in the lives she touched through her work and her kindness.
