Photo courtesy of Adams Funeral Chapel - Charleston
Mar 20, 1948 - Apr 4, 2012
Just reminiscing today about how Dr. Fischer was such a huge part of my education and the good times after my EIU days. His honest, sincere, thoughtful and often times funny conversation style was cherished. I remember his role in my Masters oral exam as though it were yesterday (though it was nearly 20 years ago). You are truly missed. Peace be with you.
Andy Lerman
May 10, 2012 | Grayslake, IL
Dr. Fischer was my instructor when I was at E.I.U. He really made a huge difference in my life at that time, but after I graduated and went on to become a teacher and coach, he sent me a letter saying how proud he was. He took the time 10 years later to still make that impact. I am sorry for your loss, you have my deepest sympathies.
Brenda Coffey(Herdes)
April 12, 2012 | Ashmore, IL
To the Fischer Family,
Our sincere condolences are offered to you at this difficult time...
Mary Lynn and Con Whalen
April 11, 2012 | Charleston, IL
Dear Janelle and Family: I was so sorry to read of Russ's death. I have fond memories of watching him grow up when we attended American Lutheran Church in Omaha. I think he may have played on the same soft ball team with my husband, "Chuck". He was such a caring and personable person. God be with you as you grieve your loss. Very Sincerely,
Janice Swanson
April 10, 2012 | Omaha, NE
Jan and Kyle and Allison,
Although Janelle and I were not nearby we thought often of Russ and all of you during the last few years and will continue to keep you all in our prayers. Take care and know that those of us fortunate enough to have known Russ will always carry him in our hearts.
David and Janelle Carey
April 10, 2012 | Nashville, TN
Allison, May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
LeAnn and Bob Ballard
April 10, 2012 | Champaign, IL
Dr. Fischer was my instructor at EIU. In the P.E. department, he was the best. I would see him from time to time at auctions in the Charleston area when I was home visiting my family whom he knew. He always remembered me and had a kind word to share. I am sorry for your family's loss - he touched many lives in a positive way.
Sue (Thomas) Settle
April 10, 2012 | Mt. Vernon, IL
Jan, Kyle and Allison,
Our deepest sympathies to all of you. Though we did not see Russ often, we knew he was a very special man....so easy to be around and took an interest in everyone in the room. When Kelly and Chris were married, Chris knew instantly that he wanted his Uncle Russ to be a reader, and we certainly saw why. He read with deep feeling and emotion. We know how much you must miss him, but in a few days, you will know that God's plan has no flaw. His pain and suffering...
April 09, 2012 | Council Bluffs, IA
May he rest in peace. My condolences..
Ann Ignalaga
April 08, 2012 | Charleston, IL
CHARLESTON, IL – Russell Douglas Fischer, age 64 of Charleston, passed away on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at his home in the loving and comforting presence of his family. Visitation for family and friends will be held Monday, April 9, 2012 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Services honoring and celebrating his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 902 Cleveland Avenue in Charleston with Pastor Ken Truelove officiating. It is requested that memorial gifts in his honor be made to the EIU Department of Kinesiology and Sports Medicine or to the American Cancer Society. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service, or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920.
Russ was born on March 20, 1948 in Omaha, Nebraska, a son of the late Elmer and Elizabeth (Neidhardt) Fischer. He married Janette Robicheau on July 29, 1972 in Omaha and for nearly forty years they have danced through life not only as husband and wife but as friends. In addition to his loving wife Janette (Jan) of Charleston, he is survived by their children, Kyle Fischer and Allison Fischer, both of Charleston; a brother, Leroy Fischer and wife LaVoris of Florissant, Colorado; numerous nieces and nephews; brothers and sisters-in-law, Tim and Linda Robicheau of Crescent, Iowa and Dana Robicheau and husband Bill Ferguson of Omaha; and a cousin, Elaine Biehl of Elkhorn, Nebraska.
Russ earned both his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He was awarded his Ph.D from North Texas University in Denton, Texas in 1976. That same year he accepted a position with Eastern Illinois University which resulted in Charleston being their family home for the past thirty-six years. Russ was a Professor in the Kinesiology and Sports Studies Department for thirty-two of those years before retiring in 2008. He is a member of the Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance at both the National and State levels and during his tenure at EIU Russ served on numerous committees and was a member of the Eastern Illinois Annuitants Association. He also held membership in the Charleston Elks Club B.P.O.E. #623 and the Fraternal Order of Eagles #3438 of Mattoon. Since moving to Charleston in 1976, Russ has been a member of the local chapter of Ducks Unlimited and has served as the association's chairman for several terms. He was confirmed in the Lutheran Church in Omaha and was an active and faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Mattoon for many years.
When Russ participated in anything he always gave 100%. While at EIU, Russ volunteered his time with numerous athletic programs: beginning in the fall, he was the Marshal at the EIU football games; he then assisted with both the men's and women's basketball programs serving as a scorekeeper and statistician; and for indoor/outdoor track meets he was a photographer and also a timekeeper. He looked forward every year to assisting with the IHSA Boys and Girls Track Meets held each May on the EIU Campus. Russ enjoyed playing badminton with the Badminton Club on Tuesdays and Thursdays at EIU, but many of the activities and hobbies in which he participated centered round his love for the outdoors. Russ earned the rank of Eagle Scout demonstrating excellence in the qualities of leadership, service and outdoor skills. He also enjoyed such hobbies as hunting and fishing. Russ was also a lover of music of all genres and he dearly loved his 1986 Porsche - it truly held a special a place in his heart.
Russ was a man of integrity who adhered to a high standard of steadfast principles. He was committed to family and as a devoted son he always made certain his mother was well taken care of - even when it meant monthly trips to Omaha. He was a loving and devoted husband and he and Jan shared a passion for ballroom dancing. They not only enjoyed dancing for their own pleasure but taught other couples the same appreciation and enjoyment for the ballroom style of dance. His love for and dedication to his children, created a wonderful role model and a father that was supportive and actively involved with their lives. When Kyle and Allison were growing up Russ helped coach with the City Soccer and Little League programs. They enjoyed activities as a family and vacationing and traveling together was at the top of the list. Some of his more memorable destinations were St. Thomas, Barbados and Alaska.
Russ was likeable and genuine in spirit - he possessed a fun-loving nature which created a gentleman who endeared himself to others as a true friend. He shared good times and conversation every morning at 9:00 a.m. with a group that gathered at Wranglers and at what is now Lincoln Garden. Russ was a people person and was happy when he was sharing every-day life with others. His kind and generous qualities were instrumental in maintaining those many friendships.
The abundant memories of Russ Fischer will always be treasured – he possessed the ability to touch the hearts and lives of all he met in such positive and endearing ways.
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