PIERRE, SD – Gloria Jean Fastnacht, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2025, at Avera Maryhouse in Pierre, South Dakota, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was 77 years old.

A service to honor and celebrate Gloria’s life will be held at 6:30pm, Friday, February 14, 2025, at Feigum Funeral Home in Pierre, SD with visitation and hour prior beginning at 5:30pm. CLICK HERE to watch Friday evening’s service. A service will also be held at 10:30am, Saturday, February 15, 2025, in Wessington Springs, SD, at the Foothills Bible Fellowship.

Gloria was born on April 9, 1947, in Mitchell, South Dakota, the second child of Lawrence and Vera Myers. She was raised in a strong and loving family alongside her siblings, Larry, Laura, and Mary Ellen in Wessington Springs, South Dakota. From an early age, Gloria displayed a caring heart and a deep devotion to those she loved, qualities that remained the foundation of her life.

On March 23, 1968, Gloria married the love of her life, Gene Garvin Fastnacht. Together, they built a beautiful life on their ranch in Gann Valley, South Dakota, centered on love, faith, and family. Their union was blessed with two children, Jeff and Seanna, whom she cherished beyond measure. As a mother, she was a constant source of encouragement and unconditional love, always offering gentle guidance and unwavering support.

Gloria was a pillar of strength for her family and a friend to all who knew her. Her kind heart, warm smile, and selfless nature touched the lives of everyone she met. She had a creative side that flourished in painting and sewing, and she learned from her mother the joy of cooking. She especially loved visiting with family, sharing stories around the kitchen table, and offering a comforting embrace.

Gloria’s greatest joy was her family. Jeff and his wife, Lisa, blessed her with two grandchildren, Katelyn and Joshua, while Seanna and her husband, Bill Regynski, gave her two more treasured grandchildren, Bailey and Taeler. In recent months, Gloria experienced the immense joy of becoming a great-grandmother with the birth of Tayvon, the son of Bailey and Taylor Longfox. The arrival of Tayvon in November brought her great happiness. She cherished every moment spent with all her grandchildren, finding joy in their laughter, milestones, and the special bond they shared.

Gloria was a teacher at heart. She spent many years shaping young minds at Gann Valley Elementary before achieving a lifelong dream of earning her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Dakota Wesleyan University in 1993. Throughout her career, she served as a special education aide, bus driver, and secretary before going on to teach art and elementary education for the Wessington Springs School District until her retirement in 2006. One of her greatest joys was teaching at the Spring Valley Hutterite Colony, where she cherished the close relationships she built with her students and their families. Her dedication to education and passion for nurturing young learners left an enduring impact on generations of students.

Gloria’s love extended well beyond her local community. Four times, she traveled with Gene to Haiti, sharing her passion for service and her joy for art to spread love and hope to the Haitian people. She was a steadfast supporter of the Fastnacht family’s mission work in Haiti, providing unwavering encouragement and assistance in their efforts. When Gloria and Gene moved to Pierre, South Dakota, in 2020, they brought the same spirit of kindness and generosity to their new neighborhood. Whether it was offering a helping hand or simply brightening someone’s day with conversation, they quickly became known for their warmth and welcoming nature.

Though Gloria’s passing leaves an unfillable space in the hearts of her loved ones, her legacy of love, kindness, and devotion will continue to live on through the family she so dearly cherished.

She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 57 years, Gene Fastnacht; her son, Jeff (Lisa) Fastnacht of Bismarck, North Dakota; her daughter, Seanna (Bill) Regynski of Pierre, South Dakota;her four cherished grandchildren, Katelyn, Joshua, Taeler, and Bailey (Taylor) Longfox and her great-grandson Tayvon. She is also survived by her sister, Laura Sletten (Jim) of Webster, South Dakota, and her sister-in-law, Marji Myers of Northglenn, Colorado. Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Vera Myers; her brother, Larry Myers; and her sister, Mary Burnison. Their love and memories remained close to her heart throughout her life, and she now joins them in eternal peace.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions by be directed to a memorial established in Gloria’s name.

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