William L. Fischer

1918 - 2018

William L. Fischer

Louisville - 99, died Thursday, March 15, 2018 at Treyton Oak Towers. Bill was born in Louisville, KY, November 2, 1918 to Meyer and Esther Fischer, now deceased. He was a US Army veteran of WW II, and very early on, worked for the Louisville Courier Journal and Times in layout and as an illustrator. This was prior to founding and then retiring as owner of the old Fischer's Men's Shoes on Market St. and on Jefferson St., whereupon he became a very successful investor and philanthropist.

For most all of his life, Bill had been an artist, beginning at about age 11, and later attended the University of Louisville on an art scholarship in 1937, the first year for the art department. He was a student for one year under the world famous muralist, David Alfaro Siqueiros in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where he in later years maintained a winter home. Bill's art has been locally acclaimed and exhibited many times over the years. His prominent work has included the design of the stained glass windows at Keneseth Israel Congregation on Taylorsville Road. He has been a benefactor of the U of L art department and in 2012 had an art studio dedicated in his name. Through the Louisville Community Foundation, for quite a number of years, art scholarships have been provided annually by him. His passion as an artist aside, he also was world traveler and an avid golfer for a great many years.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Stephen Fischer; his brother, Stanley Fischer and sister-in-law, Mary Lee; and a dear friend, Caroline Shapin.

He is survived by his son, Kane Fischer (Lin) of Butte, MT; three granddaughters, Laura King (James) of Largo, FL, Carrie Fischer of Miles City, MT and Heidi Purkett (Lance) of Boise, ID; 12 great-grandchildren; nephews, Drew Fischer, Michael and Marty Sher of Louisville; and a niece, Hedy Fischer of Ashville, NC.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, March 19th at Herman Meyer & Son, Inc., 1338 Ellison Avenue, with burial to follow in Adath Jeshurun Cemetery. Visitation after 11:30 a.m. The family wishes to express their appreciation for the dedication and care provided by the staff of the Treyton Oak Towers in Louisville. Expressions of sympathy may be made to The Hite Art Institute, University of Louisville Foundation, 2323 Brook St., Louisville, KY 40292 or the Louisville Orchestra, 323 W. Broadway, Ste 700, Louisville, KY 40202.