Remembering Natasha Mae “Tasha” Fester: A Life of Dedication, Love, and Service
The passing of Natasha Mae “Tasha” Fester on March 13, 2024, at the age of 33, brought deep sorrow to her family, friends, patients, and community. Though her time was far too short, the life she lived was one filled with compassion, dedication, and love. Her story continues to inspire those who knew her.
Quick Facts About Natasha Fester
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Natasha Mae “Tasha” Fester |
| Age | 33 |
| Residence | Grove City, Minnesota (formerly Willmar) |
| Date of Death | March 13, 2024 |
| Funeral Service | March 18, 2024, 11:00 a.m. – Church of St. Mary, Willmar, MN |
| Clergy | Father Steve Verhelst |
| Burial | Fairview Cemetery, Willmar |
| Visitation | March 17, 2–5 p.m. at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home, and 1 hour prior at church |
| Livestream | Provided through OurLivingWater.org |
| Memorials | Preferred to the Fester children |
Early Life and Education
Natasha was born and raised in Willmar, Minnesota. Her early years were marked by warmth, close family ties, and a curiosity for learning that would define her life.
Educational Milestones
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2009: Graduated from Willmar High School
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Ridgewater College: Earned her LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) credential
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Rasmussen College: Completed her RN (Registered Nurse) program
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Minnesota State University, Mankato: Obtained a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
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University of North Dakota (Aug 2023): Achieved her PMHNP (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner) degree
This steady progression highlights her resilience and commitment to serving others through healthcare.
Career in Healthcare
Natasha’s career began with her work as an LPN and RN, but her most recent achievement was stepping into the specialized role of a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at CentraCare Rice Memorial Hospital in November 2023.
Qualities She Brought to Her Work
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Compassion and empathy for patients
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Strong listening and communication skills
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Dedication to improving mental health care in her community
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A calm, reassuring presence for individuals facing struggles
Although her time in this role was brief, she made a strong impression on both patients and colleagues, reflecting her lifelong mission of care.
Read also: Leanne Goggins
Family and Personal Life
Beyond her professional life, Natasha’s greatest source of joy was her family.
Immediate Family
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Husband: Matthew
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Children:
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Mason
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Marshel
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Maxton
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MaKinlee
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Her role as a mother was central to her identity. She dedicated herself to creating a home full of love, stability, and encouragement. Her family recalls her endless patience and the joy she found in every milestone her children achieved.
Faith and Community Connections
Natasha’s faith was a guiding light in her life. She was an active member of the Church of St. Mary in Willmar.
Service and Burial Details
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Mass of Christian Burial | March 18, 2024, 11:00 a.m., Church of St. Mary, Willmar, MN |
| Clergy | Father Steve Verhelst |
| Burial | Fairview Cemetery, Willmar |
| Visitation | March 17 (2–5 p.m. at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home) and one hour prior at church |
| Livestream | Accessible through OurLivingWater.org |
Her funeral services allowed loved ones both near and far to join in remembrance, with livestreaming enabling extended community participation.
Traits and Values That Defined Her
To understand Natasha’s impact, one must look at the values she embodied:
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Dedication to family – Her children were her world, and she built her life around them.
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Commitment to service – She pursued healthcare not just as a career, but as a calling.
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Faith and spirituality – Her involvement in church provided her with strength and perspective.
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Resilience – She pursued her education while balancing the responsibilities of motherhood and work.
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Compassion – Whether with patients, colleagues, or friends, she offered kindness and empathy.
Community Remembrance
The days following her passing were filled with tributes and gestures of support.
Ways She Was Remembered
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Visitation gatherings allowed friends and family to share stories and comfort one another.
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Legacy.com and Echovita guestbooks filled with condolences, memories, and prayers.
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Candles and memorial trees planted in her honor online.
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Donations to her children ensured that Natasha’s legacy of love and care extended directly to her family’s future.
Broader Impact
Although Natasha’s professional career as a PMHNP was short, it reflected the urgency and importance of addressing mental health needs in communities. By stepping into that role, she demonstrated courage and foresight.
Her story resonates in several ways:
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For patients – She offered comfort and a listening ear.
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For colleagues – She embodied dedication and empathy in her practice.
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For her family – She modeled resilience and unconditional love.
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For her community – She proved the value of investing in education, service, and kindness.
A Legacy of Love
The true measure of Natasha’s life is not its length, but its depth. In just 33 years, she managed to:
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Raise a loving family
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Achieve multiple educational milestones
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Embark on a career in mental health care
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Strengthen her faith and community bonds
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Leave behind a reputation for kindness and dedication
Her legacy lives on in her children, in the lives of patients she supported, and in the community that continues to honor her memory.
Conclusion
Obituaries often serve as formal notices of loss, but Natasha Mae “Tasha” Fester’s story is more than that—it is a reflection of a life lived with intention, compassion, and strength.
Though her passing on March 13, 2024, came too soon, her impact remains. From her role as a mother and wife, to her contributions in healthcare, to her faith-filled life in Willmar, Natasha exemplified what it means to live with purpose.
Her life reminds us that the value of our time on earth lies not in its length, but in the love and care we extend to others. Natasha’s memory will continue to inspire, guide, and comfort all who were fortunate enough to know her.
