John Leon "Pete" Fischer

John Leon "Pete" Fischer

John Leon "Pete" Fischer, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away at his home on April 1, 2011, at the age of 59. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Elaine (McNerney) Fischer; his father and mother-in-law, John and Mary Margaret Lee; and a brother-in-law, John Jay Lee.

Pete was born October 5, 1951, in Springfield, Mo. He grew up in Verona, Mo., and was a graduate of Verona High School in 1969. Pete served in the United States Air Force from 1970-1973; he was stationed in Biloxi, Miss., and Clark Air Force Base, Philippines. He married Vicki Lee on December 30, 1972.

After leaving the Air Force, Pete worked in the agribusiness industry for over 30 years. During that time he traveled across the United States and internationally. He felt privileged to have the chance to see the world. In 2006, Pete returned to Springfield, Mo., after living in Edwardsville, Ill. for 19 years.

Pete is survived by his wife, Vicki Fischer; his son and daughter-in-law, Ryan Fischer and Vanessa Van Orden, of St. Paul, Minn.; his daughter, Maggie Fischer, of Springfield, Mo.; two brothers and sister-in-laws, Ted and Dorothy Fischer, of Omaha, Neb., and Mike and Linda Fischer, of Denton, Texas; his sister-in-law, Debbie Lee, of Verona, Mo.; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to Hospice Compassus of Springfield, Missouri.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., on Thursday, April 7, 2011, in the Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home in Aurora, Mo. The visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m., prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Compassus of Springfield, Mo., or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be shared at www.craftoncantrellfuneralhome.com.