Ernest R. Fischer, Jr.

Ernie Fischer, 73, of Cumming, passed away May 23, 2009 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center of mantle cell lymphoma. He was born July 17, 1935 in Des Moines to Ernest R. Fischer, Sr. and Blanche R. Fischer of Clive, Iowa. He was the oldest of two boys. He grew up in Clive at his family's grocery store/gas station on the corner of 80th and University where they also made their home.
He took an early interest in all things mechanical, a passion that never left him. He was curious about how things worked and he could tear apart, troubleshoot and fix anything. As a boy he enjoyed riding and tinkering with his Doodlebug motorized scooter, Whizzer motor bike, and Cushman military scooter. He graduated from Des Moines Technical High School in 1954, having excelled in auto and diesel mechanics.
He served in the Army from 1958 to 1960. He performed various mechanical tasks in the Army, including keeping the large caliber howitzer guns operational. When he was discharged from the service he was in the Military Police.
He married his wife, Dollie M. Fischer (Lawrence), on July 18, 1970. They made their home together for 38 years on the family farm in Cumming. After the service, Ernie worked for many years at Thermogas and for Penn-Dixie Cement in West Des Moines. When he left work at Penn-Dixie in 1982 he was a foreman. He farmed thereafter and enjoyed working on his various tractors, grain trucks and other equipment around the farm. Raising sweet corn to share with his family and friends was another of his favorite things. He also had a particular soft spot in his heart for the beautiful dogs he had over the years.
Ernie is survived by his wife and many nieces and nephews, including Gary R. and David B. Fischer of Altoona. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents and his brother, James R. Fischer.
Ernie will be missed for his boyish charm and quick wit that could make you laugh to tears in one line.
The family would like to express their deep appreciation to Dr. Ann Stroh and the nurses and staff of Stoddard Inpatient Oncology for their wonderful care given to Ernie.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 10:00 a.m. at Hamilton's Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th St. with burial to follow at St. John's Cemetery in Cumming. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue League or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

Print