John “Jack” August Fischer, age 72, of Isanti died unexpectedly at home June 5, 2019. Visitation will be from 4 -8 PM Tuesday, June 11, at Strike Life Tributes in Isanti. Visitation will continue from 9:30 – 10:30 AM, followed by a funeral service at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, June 12th at our funeral home in Isanti.
John August “Jack” Fischer, 72 of Isanti, MN passed away peacefully in
his home Wednesday, June 5th, 2019.
Jack was born January 2nd, 1947 at St. John’s Hospital in Fargo, ND;
was the fifth born of 14 children to the late Charles and Marian
(Runck) Fischer from Casselton, ND. He was baptized and confirmed in
his faith at St. Leo’s Parish in Casselton, ND.
Jack was very involved with sports, earning himself high school pole
vaulting records. While at Shanley High School, he received awards,
including the Roger Maris award for Wrestling. After graduating from
High School in 1965, he received a wrestling scholarship to continue
his education at Mayville State, where he earned a Bachelor of Science
Education degree. Jack participated in the famous Zip to Zap North
Dakota Riot, where he made front page news.
Jack worked for the Glencoe MN School District as elementary Phy-Ed
teacher for 33 years. In these years he loved to school all his
students in floor hockey, dodgeball, and four-square dancing. He also
coached high school volleyball and softball. Another passion of his
was to referee MSHL Wrestling, which he did for more than 30 years.
Following his time as a teacher Jack concluded his working life at
Metal Matic, where he retired in 2015.
After retirement, Jack traveled coast-to-coast with his beloved
Schnoodle, Lexi. Together they visited all of his extended family.
After his travels, he found his forever home in Isanti, Minnesota.
This allowed him to be close to his kids and grandkids. Most days he
could be found on the sidelines or bleachers cheering them on.
Survivors include his three daughters, Kati (Brent) Berwald, St.
Francis, MN, Kolynn Johnson, St. Francis, MN, Kendra Fischer, Glencoe,
MN; seven grandchildren Madison, Tyson and Aryn Berwald, Drew and
Avari Johnson, Paige Trebbensee, Taygen Koch. Siblings Karen (Mike)
McCarthy, Tempe, AZ, Mary Fischer-Shing, Chaska, MN, James Fischer,
Dana Point, CA, Joe Fischer, Harpswell, ME, William Fischer,Portland,
OR, JoAnn Fischer, West Des Moines, IA, Debra (Randy) Parmley,
Scappoose, OR, Rebecca (Byron) Jacobson, Edina, MN, Michael Fischer,
Harpswell, ME, Elizabeth (Scott) Halseth, Glyndon, MN and eighteen
nieces and nephews and thirteen great nieces and nephews.
In addition to to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two
brothers, Roger Fischer, David Fischer and sister Pauline Schroedl.
To celebrate his life visitation will be held Tuesday, June 11th from
4-8 PM, funeral services Wednesday, June 12th 10:30 AM with visitation
one hour prior.
Everyone welcome! All services will be held at Strike Life Tributes,
409 Broadway Street SE, Isanti, MN 55040
As I have been looking back and reflecting at my Dads life it has become very apparent that he truly loved his family and all of those around him. He loved to be included in any function big or small. He loved to entertain, and would lay on the ground and let the kids and dogs crawl all over him.
He loved sports of all kinds and was a competitive man, who would place a bet on about anything. Music was another one of his passions. Today, as I was writing his Eulogy, I had Buddy Holly, Elivis, Ray Orbison and some of his other favorites playing in the background. It reminded me of times we would dance in the basement. I’m great-full for those memories.
He will be missed in the stands cheering on his favorite Saints. Just two days before he passed away he was giving treats to my dog at the softball game as he cheered on his youngest granddaughter. He really did have a zest for life. But his legacy will live on in the lives of those he touched.
I hope others will find the courage to share some stories.
I only had the pleasure of meeting John once at his granddaughter Madi’s graduation party, but i have worked with Kati for 15 plus years and consider her and her family close friends. i have listened to many of Kati’s stories and they always bring smiles and laughter. I have had the privilege of watching Kati’s family grow and grow up. Any man that can raise a “wild child” like Kati, and have her turn into the loving wife, mother, and friend that she is, had to be a stand up guy.
Our world seems to be in short supply of stand up people like John. I know he will be missed greatly by his family and friends. My condolences and prayers go out them all. I know they will persevere as Kati has the same zest for life that her father had.
Jack was one of the first people I met when we both showed up for new teacher workshop in Glencoe. We had a good bunch of friends who did a lot of things together…snow skiing, dancing, softball games, swimming, & riding around in the green Mustang. Eventually, Lyle & Jack did a lot of officiating of high school wrestling, volleyball & softball games & tournaments. There was always a story after each event. You can tell Maddie that we know his finger didn’t disappear from picking his nose because we were there for the boating & water skiing incident when he lost the finger. We remember going to Itasca State Park for the family weekend with all of you kids & when Jack entertained downtown Glencoe at Halloween dressed up as a mummy wrapped in athletic tape. There wasn’t a dull moment when he was around. The last few years we have enjoyed keeping up with his travels around the country and especially seeing how much he loved following the activities of his grandchildren. He was definitely one of a kind. Cherish the memories!
Mr. Fischer has a special place in my heart because he never forgot me. He was my favorite gym teacher and wrestling coach EVER! I’ve never known anyone more competitive and loved him for that. He liked to play girls vs. boys in kickball, and if boys were winning, he’d join the girls team and kick our butts! He was my Jaycee wrestling coach, and always cheered me on, even after I moved away in 5th grade he came to a tournament and cheered by the side of my mat and I did my best not to let him down because I admired him so much. So many great memories. He was very good to all of my older brothers as well. We miss you, old friend, and I’m still looking up to you!
So sorry to the Fisher family on the loss of your brother Jack. I especially want to acknowledge the Deb Parmley family, Bill who was in my class at SHS and Lisa Halseth family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Kim