Obituary of Emil Fischer

Emil Fischer, age 91 of Menno passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2013 at the Freeman Hospital, Freeman, SD. Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM, Monday, April 15, 2013 at Grace Lutheran Church, Menno with Rev. Theresa Jacobson officiating. Burial will be in the Menno Cemetery with military graveside rites by Rames-Bender American Legion Post #152, Menno. Visitations will be from 5:00-7:00 PM, Sunday, April 14, 2013 at the Aisenbrey-Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Menno with the family present. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Pallbearers will be Dustin Fischer, Derek Fischer, Douglas Schaeffer, Fred Schultz, Tim Tiede, and Ron Schaeffer. Honorary pallbearers: His great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and friends at Menno Lumber. Emil Edward Fischer was born to Robert and Karoline (Preszler) Fischer on October 4, 1921 at their home near Menno, SD. He was baptized at Peace Lutheran Church in Menno, SD. He was confirmed in Troy, SD by Rev. Okdale. During his youth, the family moved and farmed in Rockham, SD; Troy, SD; and Watertown, SD. Emil completed the eight grades required in those schools. Than, Emil worked for various farmers. Emil was drafted and served in WWII. He began his service in 1942 and was honorable discharged in 1945. He served in the 143rd Field Artillery Battalion. While in the service, he received the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 Bronze Star, Rifle Sharpshooter, and Good Conduct Medal. After the war ended, Emil returned to Menno where he farmed. On March 16, 1952, he married Selma (Sally) Schaeffer at the Salem Reformed Church in Menno. They farmed southeast of Menno until 1979 when they moved into Menno. Emil started working at the Menno Lumber Company. He worked there for 20 years. During that time, he continued to help on the farm. Farming was his joy. Emil and Sally had two children: Thomas Robert Fischer and Carol Ann (Cj) Fischer. Emil enjoyed spending time with his children and especially with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a faithful member of Grace Lutheran Church in Menno. Emil was involved in the Grace Lutheran Brotherhood where he served as Treasurer and attended the meetings regularly. He served as Sunday School Superintendent as well as Church Treasurer. Throughout the years, he served his church on various committees. Emil is survived by his wife, Selma Fischer of Menno, SD; son, Thomas and Cindy Fischer of Menno, SD; daughter, Carol (Cj) Fischer and Jan Eric Christopherson of Citrus Heights, CA; Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren: Dustin Fischer of Sioux Falls, SD; Derek Fischer of Menno, SD; Aubrianna Hurley-Fischer of Sioux Falls, SD; Graydon Hurley-Fischer of Sioux Falls, SD; sister, Edna Schoppert of Menno, SD; sister, Ella Thayer of Oroville, WA; brother, Al Fischer of Oroville, WA; sister-in-law, Maxine Fischer; and six nephews and five nieces. Emil is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Karoline Fischer; infant brother, Paul Fischer; brother, Wilhelm "Bill" Fischer; brother, Herbert Fischer; sister, Frieda Fischer; sister, Annette Reich; sister, Caroline Stroud; brother, Art Fischer; sister-in-law, Ann Fischer; sister-in-law, Susie Fischer; brother-in-law, Ervin Reich; brother-in-law, Clair Baumgardner; brother-in-law, Gene Thayer; brother-in-law, Gene Stroud; brother-in-law, Andrew Flattum; and brother-in-law, Benny Schoppert.