Gail Marlene Hougland Fast was born on February 13, 1933, in San Bernardino, California, to Ray and Esther (nee Dehnbostel) Hougland. Both Marlene and her older brother, Walter, grew up in Napoleon, Ohio, where they were confirmed members of St. Johns Lutheran Church in Freedom Township. Marlene married Thomas B Fast, also of Napoleon, on March 24, 1956. After living in various states, they settled permanently in Gainesville, Florida. The couple was blessed with two sons, William and Thomas. In addition to being a mother and homemaker, Marlene was very active in their church, First Lutheran of Gainesville and was a founding member of the Dental Wives Guild of the University of Florida. She was an amazing cook and hostess, and was known for her kindness and infectious laughter. Marlene fell asleep in Christ on Thursday, September 19, 2024. Left to mourn her passing while awaiting the glorious resurrection and eternal reunion in Christ are her sons, William Fast of Gainesville, Georgia, and Thomas (Carla) Fast of St. Charles, Minnesota, her grandson Christopher (Charline) Fast of Rochester, Minnesota, her brother Walter (Lorna) Hougland of Napoleon, Ohio, as well as nieces Brenda Atkinson, Marsha Yarnell, Jane Sternberg and their families. A funeral service for Marlene Fast, 91, will be held at First Lutheran Church, 1801 NW 5th Avenue in Gainesville, Florida, on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 1:30 p.m., with visitation from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to First Lutheran Church, 1801 NW 5th Ave. Gainesville, Florida 32603. Visitation Friday, September 27, 2024 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM First Lutheran Church 1801 NW 5th Ave Gainesville FL 32603-1624 US (352) 376-2062 Funeral Service Friday, September 27, 2024 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM First Lutheran Church 1801 NW 5th Ave Gainesville FL 32603-1624 US (352) 376-2062 Funeral Home Forest Meadows Funeral Home 725 NW 23rd Avenue Gainsville FL - 32609 US 352-378-2528