Dr. Fannie Kimball Fiester
May 8, 1866 – May 6, 1938
Fannie Kimball was born in Vermont and later moved to Michigan at the age of 13. After witnessing several epidemics and general suffering, she felt called to study medicine. Fannie graduated from the Women’s Medical College of Chicago in 1890 and Hahnemann Medical College in 1892. In 1893, she opened her medical practice in Austin. As a member of the Mower County Medical Society, she actively assisted in organizing St. Olaf Hospital and was among the first doctors to use the facility. Dr. Fiester provided medical services to three generations of Austin families, often treating many without pay and providing daily necessities without recognition. She was a charter member of the local Brotherhood of American Yeomen and the Royal Neighbors, and she passionately advocated for the creation of a welfare board.