Katherine J. Fischer

Katherine Fischer, age 95, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at a local assisted living center. She was born in Appleton on May 22, 1911, daughter of the late William and Zella (Sykes) Laird. On November 22, 1930, she married Raymond Fischer, and together the couple operated a farm in the town of Ellington. During those years the family faithfully attended St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Stephensville where Katherine was a member of the Christian Mothers’ Society and the Busy Bees Homemakers Club. After the children were grown, she began work in the ladies accessories department at the H.C. Prange Company in downtown Appleton. In 1967, the couple “retired” to Florida, and though Ray died in 1976, she remained there until 1996. Katherine enjoyed traveling, crochet, and could always be found reading a good book.

She is survived by her four loving children: Barbara (David) Jochman of Appleton; Joan (Leo) Bernardin of Appleton; Karen (Ronald) Groth of Oshkosh; and Tom (Bonnie) Fischer of Black Creek; nineteen grandchildren: Cindy Johnson, Kathleen (Gregg Burkhardt, Pam (Craig) Kuepper, Gerald (Janel) Jochman, Theresa (Jeff) Racine, Deborah (Alan) Baudler, Michael (Christine) Bernardin, Linda (Tim Wagner) Bernardin, John (Christy) Bernardin, Christopher (Tamara) Groth, Jonathan (Terri) Groth, Eric (Karen) Groth, Elizabeth (David) Horneck, Brenda (Jeff) Wockenfus, Brian (Karen) Fischer, Susan (Tom) Kraus, Donna (William) Allen, Rebecca (B.J.) Young, and Jennifer (Brad) Ritchie; thirty great-grandchildren, and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Katherine was preceded in death by her parents, her husband in 1976, sisters Margaret Laird, Dorothy (John) Barney and Grace (Roy) Krause, and by numerous in-laws.

The funeral liturgy for Katherine will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 26, 2006 at ST. PIUS X. CATHOLIC CHURCH, 500 W. Marquette Street in Appleton with Fr. Brian Belongia officiating. Entombment will be in Highland Memorial Park. Friends may call directly at the church on Saturday morning from 9:30 AM until the hour of the services. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established.

The family would like the many caregivers who gave so much of themselves over the years. They include everyone at the hospital as well as those at the assisted living center. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
920-739-1231
www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com