Natasha Mae Fester Obituary: A Tribute to a Caring Soul

The world lost a kind and compassionate soul with the passing of Natasha Mae Fester. She was a beloved wife, devoted mother, and dedicated healthcare professional who touched countless lives with her warmth and generosity. Her passing has left a deep void in the hearts of her family, friends, and community.

Born and raised in Willmar, Minnesota, Natasha lived a life filled with love, dedication, and service. She pursued her passion for nursing, always striving to help those in need. Her unwavering commitment to her family and career made her an inspiration to many.

As we remember Natasha’s beautiful journey, we celebrate her achievements, cherished moments, and the lasting impact she had on the people around her. This tribute honors her life, her legacy, and the love she shared with the world.

Early Life and Family Background

Natasha Mae Fester was born on September 13, 1990, in Willmar, Minnesota. From the very beginning, she was surrounded by love, faith, and strong family values. Her parents, Jeff and Lisa (Chase) Adkins, provided her with a nurturing home where she grew up with warmth and care.

Faith played an important role in Natasha’s upbringing. She was baptized at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Chokio and later confirmed at Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar. Her strong spiritual foundation guided her throughout her life, shaping her into the kind and compassionate person she became.

Growing up, Natasha displayed a kind heart, a curious mind, and a strong determination. She was known for her bright smile and generous spirit, qualities that would later define her personal and professional life. Her early years laid the foundation for the remarkable woman she would become.

Education

• Graduated from Willmar High School in 2009
• Actively involved in extracurricular activities, shaping her into a well-rounded individual:
  • Cardettes Dance Team: Showcased her passion for dance
  • Volleyball
  • Track
  • FFA (Future Farmers of America): Demonstrated team spirit, athleticism, and leadership skills
• Earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) degree from Ridgewater College
• Registered Nurse (RN) degree from Rasmussen College in St. Cloud
• Completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Mankato State University
• Specialized in Psychiatric Mental Health by earning her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Degree from the University of North Dakota in August 2023
• Natasha’s dedication to education and passion for helping others made her an exceptional nurse, admired by colleagues and patients alike.

Professional Life

Natasha’s professional journey was a testament to her dedication and passion for helping others. Early in her career, she worked as the Administrator of C.A.R.E., where she played a pivotal role in managing and improving healthcare services. Her leadership skills were evident, and she quickly gained the respect of her colleagues and the community.

In November 2023, Natasha took a significant step in her career when she began working at CentraCare Rice Memorial Hospital as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. In this role, she was able to make a profound impact on the mental health and well-being of her patients. Natasha’s compassionate nature and advanced training made her an exceptional healthcare provider, and she was deeply committed to her work, helping others navigate through challenging mental health issues.

Marriage and Family

Natasha’s personal life was filled with love, laughter, and dedication to her family. She was united in marriage to Matthew Fester on July 7, 2012, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar, marking the beginning of a beautiful life together. Their bond was one of deep love and mutual respect, creating a foundation for their growing family.

Together, Natasha and Matthew were blessed with four children, who were the center of her world. Their children included Mason (12), Marshel (8), Maxton (5), and MaKinlee (3). Natasha was an incredibly devoted mother, always present and actively involved in her children’s lives. Whether it was cheering them on at sports events or spending quality time with them, her love for her children was endless.

Personal Interests and Hobbies

Beyond her career and family, Natasha had a wide range of personal interests that brought her joy and fulfillment. She loved supporting her boys in sports, always present at their games and practices, offering encouragement and cheering them on from the sidelines. Another family favorite activity was go-kart racing, which they enjoyed together as a way to bond and have fun.

In her downtime, Natasha enjoyed engaging in hobbies that allowed her to be creative and hands-on. She was particularly fond of demo derbies and stock car racing, both of which sparked her excitement and adrenaline. Her love for DIY projects was another big part of her life, and she often spent time on Pinterest, planning and creating new projects for her home.

One of the most special aspects of Natasha’s life was her unique bond with her father, Jeff. He lovingly nicknamed her “Harold,” a sign of their deep connection and shared moments of laughter. This affectionate nickname highlighted the special relationship they shared, one that Natasha cherished deeply.

Community Involvement

Natasha Mae Fester was not only a devoted professional and loving family member but also a committed member of her community. She actively participated in community events, always ready to lend a helping hand or volunteer for various causes. Her dedication to helping others extended beyond her professional career, as she was deeply involved in making a positive impact on those around her. Natasha’s compassion and willingness to serve others made her a beloved figure in her community.

Surviving Family Members

Natasha is survived by her loving husband, Matthew Fester, with whom she shared a beautiful life. Together, they raised four children who were her pride and joy:

• Mason (12)
• Marshel (8)
• Maxton (5)
• MaKinlee (3)

Her parents, Jeff and Lisa Adkins, continue to honor her memory. She is also survived by her brother, Trenton (Jen) Adkins, and their children, Quinn and Leighton.

In addition, Natasha is remembered by her father-in-law, Marion Fester, and mother-in-law, Jori Berzins. Her sisters-in-law,

• Stacy (Nick) Danielson, with their children, Gavin, Loretta, and Bode,
• Abby (Andrew) Christensen, with their children, Aiden, Ashton, and Ayla,

will continue to carry her legacy. Natasha’s grandparents, Rosey Ehrp and James (Kathy) Adkins, along with her special friend, Ali Hood, will always hold her memory close to their hearts.

Preceded in Death By

Natasha was preceded in death by her grandparents, Alfred and Lorraine Chase and Norm Hamner, as well as her step-mother-in-law, Cindy Fester. These loved ones were an important part of her life, and their memories live on in the hearts of those who continue to mourn her passing.

Funeral Services

The community gathered to honor and remember the life of Natasha Mae Fester with a Visitation held on Sunday, March 17, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar. This was an opportunity for family, friends, and loved ones to come together, share memories, and offer their support to Natasha’s family.

A Mass of Christian Burial was conducted on Monday, March 18, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of St. Mary in Willmar. The service was a beautiful tribute to Natasha’s life, faith, and the love she gave to others. For those unable to attend in person, the funeral was livestreamed for everyone to participate in the ceremony. The livestream link can be found at https://www.ourlivingwater.org/tashafester.html.

Legacy and Tributes

Natasha’s legacy is one of compassion, dedication, and love. She will always be remembered for her kind and caring nature, her unwavering dedication to her family, and her commitment to helping others through her work in the healthcare field. Natasha’s ability to touch the lives of those around her, whether as a nurse, a mother, a wife, or a friend, is what makes her memory live on.

In the days following her passing, Natasha’s family and friends received an overwhelming number of heartfelt messages of condolences. These messages, from both loved ones and even strangers who were touched by her story, are a testament to the profound impact Natasha had on others. Her memory will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the “Fester children” fund. This gesture will help support Natasha’s children as they continue to navigate life without their loving mother. Contributions can be made directly to the family or through the funeral home.

Conclusion

Natasha Mae Fester leaves behind a powerful legacy of love, kindness, and service. Through her professional achievements and her unwavering devotion to her family, she has made an indelible mark on the hearts of everyone who knew her. Natasha’s enduring spirit will live on in the lives she touched, and her memory will be cherished forever. As we remember her, we honor not only her incredible accomplishments but the love and joy she brought to the world.