Roger C. Fischer

Roger Cosmas Fischer, age 80 of Appleton, WI, went home to be with the Lord on January 11, 2025. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Roger lived a life of faith, service, and love.

Roger was born on September 14, 1944, in Green Bay, WI, to the late Alex and Marcella (Miller) Fischer. After graduating from Reedsville High School, he proudly served in the United States Navy and was stationed in Greece for two years. He served as a telegraph operator using Morse Code, earning an honorable discharge in 1970. On November 29, 1969, Roger married Joanne Behnke at St. John St. James Lutheran Church in Reedsville. Together, they built a life filled with love and joy, raising four wonderful children.

He faithfully served his church, dedicating his time as an usher, greeting everyone with a warm smile, kind words, and treats for the kids! He was a dedicated employee of AAL Credit Union and Valley Health Credit Union. He also found great joy in coaching and guiding young athletes with patience and encouragement. He loved playing cards, fishing, and family vacations, was an avid blood donor, and loved to cheer on the Green Bay Packers, the Wisconsin Badgers, and the Chicago Cubs. Roger and Joanne also took in many student teachers, foster babies, and 2 foreign exchange students through the years. 

Among his greatest joys were his grandchildren. He cherished every moment spent cheering them on at their games, concerts, and events, always their biggest fan in the stands. He had a special tradition of treating his grandchildren to donuts, a simple but cherished expression of his love that created sweet memories they will treasure forever.

Roger is survived by Joanne, his beloved wife of 55 years; his children, April (Matthew) Ashbeck of Menasha, Heidi (Chad) Biesterfeld of New Berlin, Eric (Danielle) Fischer of Tacoma, WA, and Dr. Brian (Julie) Fischer of New Berlin. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Makenna and Autumn Ashbeck; Ava, Ella, and Greta Biesterfeld; Ava Krushka; and Cora, Wesley, and Loretta Fischer. He is further survived by his sister, Jackie Kriescher; brother-in-law, John Leist; and sisters-in-law, Regina Fischer, Helen (Luke) Ratajczak, Kathy Fischer, Denise Fischer, Dianne (Jerry) Witkowski, Suzanne (Ray) Bubolz, Rozanne (Ralph) Bohrtz, Julianne (Scott) Free, Luanne (Jeff) Gast, and Lorianne (Tom) Holdcroft; plus many nieces, nephews, friends, and his international son, Edward Yoon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alex and Marcella Fischer; brothers, Glenn, Richard, Leland, Wayne, and William Fischer; one sister, Geraldine Leist; one sister-in-law, Laura Fischer; two brothers-in-law, Harold Reimer and Don Kriescher; his father-in-law, Lester Behnke; mother-in-law, Erma (Juedes) Behnke; step-mother-in-law, Mernabelle (Polifka) Behnke; and Godson, Jordan Free.

A visitation will be held for Roger from 9 AM – 12 PM on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 302 N. Morrison St., Appleton, WI 54911 with a memorial service to follow at 12 PM. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established.

Roger’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Rennes Rehabilitation Center as well as Moments Hospice for all their care and compassion.