Andrew “Andy” J. Fischer, age 93 of Merrill, died on Thursday, September 1, 2016, at Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill, while surrounded by his loving family and while under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services. He was born on October 1, 1922 to the late Andrew Charles & Margaret (Linder) Fischer in Merrill, WI.
Andy attended elementary school at St. Francis Catholic school in Merrill. He attended high school at Merrill High. Andy met and fell in love with Myrtle Englund, and the two exchanged vows on February 28, 1942 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill, a union lasting 74 years. She survives.
Andy began his work career at the age of 10 as a butcher. He continued in that line of work well into his adult years. Andy also was employed at Weinbrenner Shoe Factory, then moved to Chicago, where he worked at Carnigue Steel. Andy was drafted in the U.S. Army, and proudly served his country in WWII in the European and South Pacific Theatre. He was very proud to have served in the Army. Andy and Myrtle moved back to Merrill, where Andy was then employed as a butcher at People’s IGA, and later became owner and operator of the supermarket until their retirement. Andy and Myrtle thoroughly enjoyed their retirement together, and they made the most of it, traveling to many beautiful lands. They spent 25 years traveling to Florida, where they spent their time during the winter months, where Andy would enjoy deep sea fishing. Andy was an avid fisherman, especially fishing for trout. He loved to spend time on Silver Lake, and just simply enjoy the northwoods. Andy spent his free time woodworking, and making beautiful creations for his family and friends. He loved watching the Green Bay Packer games and golf. Andy collected clown paraphernalia, and would even dress up as a clown for Krazy Dayz and he also went to schools. Andy was a cheerful and hard-working man, who would help anyone if he was able. His greatest accomplishment was being a husband and father. Andy was a proud member of the American Legion, Merrill VFW Post #1638 and the Knights of Columbus. He went on the Veterans Honor Flight in 2012. Andy served as alderman of the 6th ward and on the Lincoln Co. Board. He was a member at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill.
Andy is survived by his wife of 74 years: Myrtle Fischer of Merrill, son: LeRoy (Connie) Fischer of Merrill, daughters: Andrea Fischer of Irma and Kathleen (Robert –deceased) Monnot of Merrill, grandchildren: Duane (Lisa) Fischer of Marshfield, Linda ( special friend, Duane Moore) Beebe of Pewaukee, LeRoy E. (Carol) Fischer of Merrill, Scott (Danielle) Monnot of Sheboygan, Andrew (Brenda) Monnot of Merrill and Chad (Lynn) Monnot of Merrill, step-grandchildren: Sherry Henrich of Wausau, Larry (Lorri) Beyer of Alaska, Nancy (Sig) Podgorski of Wausau, Mike (Denise) Beyer of Gleason and Pat (Laura) Beyer of Gleason, 10 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, 12 step- great grandchildren, 5 step-great great grandchildren and sister: Lorriane (Harold – deceased) Bettin of Menomonee Falls. He is preceded in death by his parents, grandson: David Fischer, son-in-law: Robert Monnot, 4 brothers: Joe, Alfred, Irvin and Edward and 7 sisters: Margaret, Marian, Dorothy, Virginia, Anna Marie, Irene and Darlene.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Andy will be held on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at 11:30am at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill. Father Chris Kemp will officiate. Visitation will be held on Monday, September 5, 2016 from 4pm-7pm at Waid Funeral Home in Merrill, and again on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at 10:30am until the time of Mass, at the church. Burial will follow in the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery. Military honors will be performed by the Merrill VFW Post #1638 at the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, family requests that any memorials made in Andy’s name be directed to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church for the St. Francis Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
Waid Funeral Home of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made atwww.waidfuneral.com.
Notice: LeRoy’s Hair Care Center, 724 E. 2nd St., Merrill, is closed on Tuesday, September 6, 2016, so he can attend his father’s funeral.