George F. Fischer Jr.

1924 - 2017

George Fischer

BUCYRUS: George F. Fischer, Jr., 92, of Bucyrus died peacefully early Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at OSU Wexner Medical Center where he was being treated after a recent fall and subsequent heart attack.

He was born in Bucyrus on October 28, 1924 to the late George F. Fischer, Sr. and Lena (Keppler) Fischer-Stump. He grew up in Bucyrus where he helped his father at the family's hardware store and graduated from Bucyrus High School in 1942. He joined the US Army in April 1943 and, after a brief assignment with a tank division, served as an aerial gunner with the Army Air Corps in the 7th Bomb Squadron (of which he was the last surviving member) in the China-India-Burma Theater. He was honorably discharged in November 1945. Just prior to his discharge, he was on a double date that went so well that he soon went on his first date with the other girl, Dorothy Shiffer who he had a secret crush on while in high school. A quick courtship ensued and they were married January 20, 1946 sharing nearly 71 years before her November 28, 2016 death.

George will be remembered for his strong faith, enduring love of life, and belief in the goodness of people. He was truly happiest when meeting the needs of a customer, serving the community, or laughing with friends and family whenever they gathered. After working briefly for GE, then The George Worthington Co. in Cleveland, George owned and operated Fischer Hardware in downtown Bucyrus with his brother Frank, and later by himself before retiring in 1988. He served on city council and was the planning committee chair for the current city hall and chaired the addition of a hard surface runway at the Bucyrus airport. He served in a number clubs and organizations including past exalted ruler of Elks Lodge 156, Moose Lodge 669, Bucyrus Jaycees, Bucyrus Kiwanis Club, Bucyrus Airport Commission, and American Legion Post 181. He was inducted into the Crawford County Veterans Hall of Fame in 2015 and looked forward to 7th Bomb Squadron reunions which gave him and his family the opportunity to see much of the United States. He was named the Bucyrus Area Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, supported the Bucyrus Historical Society, and was a lifelong member of Good Hope Lutheran Church where he served on council and chaired the maintenance committee.

At home, he was a builder and tinkerer. He designed and built his home on Cherry Lane and his most cherished time was that spent with his beloved Dot. They enjoyed plays at the Little Theatre, listening to the John Kennedy Band and Community Concerts, and dinner out on Fridays.

George is survived by two children, Fred Fischer of Bucyrus and Lynn (Tim) Cook of Delaware; four grandchildren, Jennifer Fischer (fiancé Tony Patrilla), Aaron Cook, Nathaniel (Taylor McClenghan) Cook, and Sarah (Nick) Mroczkowski; two great grandchildren, Cora Keppler and Samuel Henry Mroczkowski; sister, Mary Ann Schifer; brother, Frank (Margaret) Fischer; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, August Stump; brother-in-law, Fred Schifer; niece, Susan Schifer-Yost; and sister and brother-in-law, Grace and Keith Clayton.

George's family will receive friends on Sunday, August 20 from 2:30-5:30 pm at Wise Funeral Service. His funeral will be held Monday at 10:30 am at Good Hope Lutheran Church with Pastor Renee Ahern officiating and burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery with military rites by the US Army and American Legion Post 181 Honor Guards.

Donations are suggested in lieu of flowers and can be made payable to the Good Hope Steeple Fund, Bucyrus Little Theatre, or Bucyrus Historical Society and given through the funeral home. Memories and photos can be shared on George's tribute page at www.wisefuneral.com.