Jim Fischer

William James “Jim” Fischer, age 84, was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus on July 14, 2022.

Jim was born in Hawley, Minnesota to William A. and Helen L. (Barker) Fischer on July 21st, 1937. Soon after, his parents moved to his “hometown” of Valparaiso, Indiana, where he eventually married his high school sweetheart Margaret “Anne” (Rader). Anne and Jim were longtime members of Immanuel Lutheran Church where Jim served in multiple roles including president of the congregation. He was later an active member of Prince of Peace Lutheran near Stroh, IN. 

Jim was employed by (then) family- owned and Valpo- based Urschel Laboratories. He enjoyed work, always telling Anne he would retire when work was no longer “fun.” Many promotions later Jim retired after 43 “and a half!” years.

Jim’s mechanical aptitude was a blessing to many. If the washing machine broke, “Dad” fixed it. When the house needed an additional space for a growing family, he (and a few friends) built it. When elderly relatives needed help, when kids got into mischief… Dad/Jim was there to share his time and talent.

Jim was indeed fond of sharing. He would often call his grown children and begin the conversation with “I just wanted to share something with you.” Then he would proceed with advice, news – or a story. His memory was amazing and those around him benefited by hearing tales of growing up in the era of the Depression. He would often break into song lyrics from “back when we could understand what they were singing about.” He was not afraid to laugh at himself and loved to relate the time he took the family pet (cat) Sam to the vet on a Sunday morning, sure that the animal was dying. The vet took great enjoyment, according to Jim, in patiently explaining the details of the difference between a feline male and female and, no, “Samantha” was not dying. Jim’s sense of humor, his generosity and his guidance will be greatly missed.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his stepmother Inez, sister Mary Lee (Malcolm), an infant daughter, Jennifer and his beloved wife of 53 years, Anne.

He is survived by his children Lisa (Bill), Steve (Patchy) and Tim (Vena), grandchildren Katie, Matt, Bryan, Matthew, Joseph, Trisha, Lisa Lynn, and Tina. He was called “Grandpa Great” by Brianna, Aiden, Weston, Lily, Finn, Cas, Khalie and Sammy.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 10275 E. 550 S., Hudson, Indiana with visitation at 2:00 PM prior to the service. Burial will be attended by immediate family on Thursday, July 21, 2022 at Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso.

Matthew 25: 23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant…Come and share your master’s happiness.’

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