Richard Alan Fischer, age 80, lifelong resident of Ellsworth, passed away November 6, 2019 surrounded by his family at the Comforts of Home in Hudson. Richard was born September 28, 1939 in Red Wing, MN to Freeman and Francis (Thom) Fischer. He graduated from Ellsworth High School, the Class of 1957. Dick proudly served his country in the United States Marines Corp. He was united in marriage on January 28, 1961 to Darla Jean Borst at St. Francis Catholic Church in Ellsworth. Their marriage was blessed with four children, Timothy, Theodore, Jody, and Rebecca, and 58 years of love and devotion. Dick worked as a lineman with Northern States Power for many years.
Dick was a man of integrity, with a servant’s heart. He lived a life of service to his country in the military, to his family as a constant provider of unconditional love and caring, to his community in his work as a lineman for NSP, and to the Lord with his deep faith. Together, Dick and his wife, Darla found great joy in serving others on a mission trip to Ecuador, which brought cherished memories for them. He was a dedicated member of the Ellsworth American Legion, Kinne-Engelhart Post 204 and the Knights of Columbus at St. Francis Catholic Church. Dick was a man who took pride in his country, and truly appreciated the beauty of the world and nature all around him. He loved being at home, on his woodland farm and creek, and was most content in spending time with his family on the wooded trails, flower gardening, and planting prairie grasses and trees. He loved creating a sanctuary for all living things; people, plants, and animals. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and cheering on the Green Bay Packers. Dick had a creative mind and spent countless hours in his shop, repurposing unused scrap into useful treasures.
Dick had a great view of the world around him, but also in the air as well, as he had a pilot’s license and owned his own plane. Dick passed on to his family his love of flying and service in the military. Dick leaves behind a beautiful example that we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
Dick will remain in the hearts of his loving wife, Darla; children, Timothy (Sheila) Fischer of Ellsworth, Theodore (Ava) Fischer of Chippewa Falls, Jody Thomas Fischer of Rochester, MN, and Rebecca (Marion) Esterby of River Falls; grandchildren: Jesse, Jerome (Riah), Jordan (Brittany), Jarek, Logan, Annaka, Jonathan, Abigail and Benjamin Esterby; great-grandson, Carter and another little one on the way; siblings, Thomas (Audrey) Fischer of Alexandria, MN, Terry (Diana) Fischer of Beldenville, Mary (Marv) Young of Deer Park, and Yvette (Mike) Deiss of Ellsworth; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A Visitation will be held 4:00 – 7:00 PM Sunday, November 10, 2019 at St. Francis Catholic Church, 231 Woodworth St., Ellsworth, and one hour prior to the Mass on Monday. Mass of Christian Burial will take place 1:00 PM Monday, November 11, 2019 at St. Francis Catholic Church, with Fr. Eric Dadson officiating and Fr. Nathan Thainase concelebrating. Military honors provided by the Ellsworth American Legion, Kinne-Engelhart Post 204 will immediately follow the Mass at the church. Dick’s grandchildren have the honor of serving as pallbearers. Private interment will take place at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery. Funeral services have been entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of Ellsworth (715) 273-4421. www.oconnellfuneralservices.com
