Barbara Fischer

Tuesday, January 21, 2020 3:49 pm

Barbara Fischer, 71, of Ft. Atkinson, left this world peacefully Jan. 14, 2020, at Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, Wis., surrounded by her family. A celebration of life service was at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, at the Schluter-Balik Funeral Home Chekal Chapel, 201 Main Street in Fort Atkinson, with Rev. Anita Neutzman presiding.

Barbara was born Nov. 14, 1948, in Decorah, to Melvin and Evelyn (Steele) Gudvangen. She was the middle of three daughters born of this union. Barbara graduated in 1966 from Thomas Roberts High School in Decorah. In high school she was active in the office executive club and worked part time in a local attorney’s office. On May 17, 1969, Barb married Jerry Fischer at Washington Prairie Lutheran Church in Decorah. To this union, three children were born: Lee Alan Fischer (Kathy) of Ft. Atkinson; Jesse James Fischer of Ft. Atkinson; and Tara Joyce (Jerry) of Toledo. Barbara worked for Meyer, Lorentzen, and Nelson as the office manager for most of her working career. In 1995 the family purchased the Little-O Drive In in Calmar, and Barbara began managing the restaurant until the business was sold and Barbara then retired. Barbara was a compassionate person who loved all creatures and never spoke a bad word about anyone. She had an innate ability to listen without voicing her opinion or passing judgment. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who always put the needs of others before hers. She especially loved having grandchildren and would drop everything if they needed her. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy in life.

Barbara enjoyed her three dogs: Chloe, Roxy and Hunter. She also enjoyed spending the time she could outside with her cats.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 50 years, Jerry; children: Lee (Kathy) Fischer, Fort Atkinson; Jesse Fischer, Fort Atkinson; and Tara (friend: Jerry Gohring) Joyce, Toledo; grandchildren: Sara, Kimberly, Ashley, Karleigh, Brendon, Connor, Landon and Izak.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Evelyn (Steele) Gudvangen; sisters, Marlene and Carol Ann McClement; half-brothers, Clarence Steele and Everett Steele; brothers-in-law: Martin, Mitchell and Clarence Fischer; sisters-in-law, Venita Phillips and Mary Lou Bigler.