Robert Fischer

Robert Fischer passed away quietly at home on Monday, July 18, 2016.  He had been a resident at Bethany Healthcare for ten weeks until Friday, July 15 when he was transferred home with Serenity Hospice Care.

He is survived by first wife of 62 years, Anna; daughters – Annalise, Laurel, Elsa (Paige Paulson), and Phyllis (Brian Tschider) grandchildren – Elsa (Christopher Anderson), Robert, Anna, and Laurel; nephew Robert "Buddy" Williams and a niece Celeste Aldridge.

Robert's parents, Robert Herman Fischer and Phyllis St. Jacque and a sister Kathryn preceded him in death.

Robert joined the Army in 1943 and became a paratrooper with the 505 Airborne Division.  His unit was one of the groups caught in The Battle of the Bulge.  When the war ended he helped to maintain some order in Berlin.

Under the GI Bill, Robert began an undergraduate degree at the University of Minnesota in Duluth.  This degree was interrupted by a military recall for the Korean War.  He resumed studies at UMD and went on to earn a Master's Degree in Library Science at Case Western Reserve in Cleveland.  His first jobs took him to Missoula and Billings, Montana.  He completed the rest of his career at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.

Retirement provided Robert with the time to travel.  Mexico and Central America were the countries of choice.  The many ruins and museums piqued his interest.  He climbed every pyramid he could get close to.  Early on he introduced his family to his love of Mexico where the family vacationed annually 20 continuous years.

In reflecting on Bob's 93 years the word "dedication" sums up his life.  Dedication to family, dedication to country, dedication to education, dedication to God and the church and dedication to values of honesty, social justice and humility.  He was such an amazing man.

Visitation will be from 10:00am-11:00am on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1915 N. 1 ^st St. DeKalb, IL.  A memorial service will be held at the same location at 11:00am.  Military Honors will be held at the church by the DeKalb VFW, American Legion, and AMVets.  Everyone is welcome to the luncheon at the church after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Robert's name to the DeKalb Public Library at www.dkpl.org .

Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL  60115 815-758-3841.