John “Fish” R. Fischer was born on February 11, 1956, in West Bend, to Howard and Eleanor (Schneider) Fischer. He leaves behind a family who loved him beyond words, lifelong friends, and a community made better by a man who spent his life caring for the people around him.
On May 9, 1981, John married Patricia “Patti” A. (Dreher) in Kewaskum. For 45 years, Patti was by his side through everything life brought their way. Together they raised Christopher, Matthew, and Nikki and built a life rooted in family and tradition.
John was diagnosed with an incurable brain cancer and faced his illness and other serious health complications with remarkable strength and determination. He fought like hell until the very end. That fight reflected the man he had always been: stubborn, determined, and unwilling to give up on the people and life he loved.
John spent his career as an excavator, a profession that suited him perfectly. He loved his work and took tremendous pride in doing it well. Whether digging a pond, working the land, or helping someone solve a problem, his perfectionism shined in a profession where getting things just right mattered.
For John, work was also about helping people. His neighbors and community knew they could count on him for their land and agricultural needs. In winter, he spent long hours plowing township roads and took pride in knowing his work helped keep his community safe.
John enjoyed trapshooting and was an accomplished and fiercely competitive bowler, once securing a perfect 300 game. But few traditions meant more to him than deer hunting. For more than 50 years, deer season was a cherished part of his life. The tradition began with his father, Howard, and John proudly carried it forward with his sons. It was about far more than the hunt, it was about tradition and time together.
Nothing mattered to John more than his family. He loved Patti and his children fiercely.
He was the kind of dad who showed up. John was there for games, practices, performances, and milestones, sometimes cheering from the sidelines and sometimes stepping in to coach. There was never much question about whether John was proud, you knew. As his children grew up, he remained one of their biggest supporters.
Traditions mattered deeply to John. He loved Packers games with family and friends, the family's epic Christmas tree, Friday night Wisconsin fish fries, and the promise of doing it all again together next year.
Those who loved John will miss his laugh, sense of humor, and signature greeting, “Howdy!” Most of all, they will miss the steady, caring man at the center of so many memories. The traditions he loved will continue, and through them, so will a part of John.
John is survived by his beloved wife, Patti; his children, Christopher, Matthew (Megan McCormick), and Nikki; his sisters, Mary Fischer and Jayne (Tim) Duenkel; his sister-in-law, Patti Fischer; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Eleanor; and brother, Michael.
John’s family is forever grateful to the staff at Horizon Hospice, especially Katie and Mike, for their extraordinary care, compassion, and support.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 to 11:45 a.m. at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 138 N. 8th Ave., West Bend. A Funeral Mass will follow at noon with a reception to follow.
Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with John’s arrangements. For additional information please visit www.myrhum-patten.com.
