Robert Daniel Fischer

Robert ("Bob") Fischer, 89, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2025, surrounded by family after a short stay in hospice. Born in Lincoln, Nebraska on November 24, 1936, to Russian immigrant parents Daniel and Katherine Fischer, Bob's life was marked by hard work, service, adventure, and an unwavering devotion to those he loved.

Bob began working at the age of seven, selling newspapers in downtown Lincoln and giving all of his earnings to help support his family. His work ethic, generosity, and sense of responsibility-remarkable even in childhood-became defining traits throughout his life.

A natural athlete, Bob discovered his love for sports early. In his senior year at Lincoln High School, he played football for the first time and earned a place on the All-State team.

Before beginning at the University of Nebraska, Bob's character and dedication had already made a deep impression on those around him. The grocery store owner Bob worked for during his youth was so moved by Bob's integrity and potential that he fully funded Bob's college education, purchased his college clothing, and helped him join a fraternity. Bob earned a starting position on the University of Nebraska football team; however, when he was told that his heart was not healthy enough to continue playing, he became deeply disillusioned. With the future he had imagined suddenly out of reach, Bob made the difficult decision to leave college and soon after joined the United States Army, beginning a new chapter of service and purpose.

Bob proudly served in the Army for three years. His commitment to his country continued with a distinguished career that few experience: eight years with the CIA, traveling the world, followed by many years with the FBI.

In 1968, Bob married the love of his life, Janet. They shared 57 wonderful years of marriage, building a life grounded in loyalty, adventure, and deep companionship. After retiring from the FBI, Bob fulfilled his long-held wish to move to a warmer climate, and he and Janet relocated to Bella Vista, Arkansas. There, they built a beautiful home on Lake Windsor and enjoyed fourteen wonderful years in a community they both cherished. Bob stayed active, spending many hours on the tennis court, golfing, line dancing, and boating. As their family grew with grandchildren, they returned to Minnesota to be closer to their children and share in the joy of watching their grandsons grow.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Janet; his daughter Holly and her husband Brent Shelton; his son Michael and his wife Christina; and his four cherished grandchildren: Baylor, Sawyer, Willie, and Cody. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and a sister, whom he remembered with love.

Bob Fischer will be remembered for his integrity, courage, quiet strength, and the countless stories from a life lived with purpose. His generosity of spirit and devotion to family leave a legacy that will continue to guide and inspire all who knew him.

Bob never cared for Minnesota's long, cold winters and greatly preferred hot, sunny days. In that same spirit, his family will gather to celebrate his life with a memorial service at a later date.