Francis "Fritz" Fischer, DDS

Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Friend, Fritz Fischer passed away with family at his side on January 30, 2025, after a battle with Parkinson’s. “Doc” was bigger than life and will be missed by all.

Francis Michael Fischer was born in South Bend, Indiana on June 23, 1938, son of the late Ernest and Helen (Suth) Fischer. He attended Catholic high school in South Bend, Indiana, Marquette University in Wisconsin for three years, and completed dental training at Indiana University, graduating in 1964. On October 1, 1966, he married the love of his life, Sharon Riczo, who survives.

Fritz specialized in pediatric dentistry opening his practice in downtown Appleton in 1966. He practiced for 38 years and made many friends in the dental community. It was at his practice, at the downtown YMCA, local establishments, and surrounding rivers and countryside that he built his friendships, grew and loved his family, and lived his passions.

Fritz enjoyed sports, and coached girls’ basketball for many years at St. Edward Catholic School, Kimberly High School, and Xavier High School. He loved his time coaching and developing youth basketball talent.

Fritz was an outdoorsman and farmer. He enjoyed working his farmland in Mackville where he raised beef cattle, pigs, and chickens. He baled hay and cut firewood with family and friends who were always willing to help. Fritz enjoyed fishing the Wolf River and Canadian lakes, deer hunting “The Cut”, and duck and pheasant hunting with his Wirehair pointers. Fritz was the consummate marksman and taught many to shoot trap in his backyard. He also was a big fan of country-western music (Jim Reeves and George Jones), as well as fine woodworking, jokes, and stories. Of course Fritz loved Notre Dame, but most importantly of all, Fritz cherished the “sessions” with family and friends immediately after sharing each of these passions.

Fritz is survived by his wife: Sharon Fischer; four children: Gregory (Holly) Fischer, Lynn (Gary) Lorge, Kristine (Michael) Nemec, and Ellen (Jay) Kromholz; his grandchildren: Madeline, Johnnie, Garrett, Evelyn, Alex, Olivia, Laney, Tayten, Bradey, and Mason; a brother-in-law: Stephen (Shawn) Riczo; and two sisters-in-law: Deborah (Karl) Crum and Delores “Dolly” Fischer.

Fritz was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Joseph (Genevieve) Fischer and Emery “Jim” Fischer; a sister: Mary Ann (John) McSorley; and in-laws Donna Riczo and Joseph Riczo, Jr.

The funeral liturgy for Fritz will be held on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, located at N2926 State Road 47 in Mackville. Fr. Robert Chinnapan will officiate and burial will take place at a later date in the parish cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church on Tuesday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of the service. A reception will follow at (where else?) the Kountry Bar.

The family would like to extend their thanks to the gracious staff at Country Villa Assisted Living in Freedom.