In Memory

Mark Fischer (Fischer) - Class Of 1965

Mark Fischer (Fischer)

Mark Fischer, age 73, was called home by his Lord and Savior on Monday, 19 April 2021.  He was born on 24 October 1947 to William E. Fischer and Virginia Ruth (Hansen) Fischer in Saginaw, Michigan.  He was followed by his two dear sisters, Sally and Gail.    

After high school, Mark attended the United States Air Force Academy and graduated on 4 June 1969.  He then went to pilot training at Columbus AFB, MS where he met the love of his life, Nancy Ellen Abernethy of Slidell, LA on a blind date.  He knew the moment he saw her standing in Reneau Hall on the campus of Mississippi State College for Women in her gray and pink dress that they’d be married and they were on 12 June 1971.  They had three wonderful daughters: Robyn, Erika and Laura.    

Over the next twenty years in the Air Force, he served in a number of different positions around the United States and overseas.  He was most grateful that he had the opportunity to fly the famous U-2 Dragon Lady and spend a good deal of time above 70,000 feet looking down on the glories of God’s creation.  He noted that the apex of his professional career was the year that he spent at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus as the Commander of U-2 Operating Location Olive Harvest.    

Upon retiring from the Air Force in 1989, Mark went to work for Alaska Airlines flying MD-80s and B-737s for 17 years out of the Seattle pilot base.  He thoroughly enjoyed flying in Southeast Alaska.  Mark and Nancy moved to Lewistown, MT after retiring from Alaska Airlines in 2006.    

He was an avid reader, enjoyed the outdoors and was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church where he served as the congregation’s president for 10 years.  Mark loved beyond measure his wife of 49 years, Nancy, his daughters, grandchildren, parents and sisters.    

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sally.  He is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughters, Robyn Fischer (Aaron), Erika Ashenbrenner (Austin), Laura Deyo (Jade); grandchildren, Sophia and Isaac Ashenbrenner and Ashley and Bryson Deyo; his sister, Gail Cramton (Donn); and by his life-long friend Robert “Cap” J. Fry, Jr (Jane).   

There will be a Celebration of Life Service at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Saturday, July 17, 2021, 11:00 a.m. with military honors.  Mark’s family suggests memorial donations to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 125 C. Street, Lewistown, MT  59457 in lieu of flowers.   

Arrangements are under the care of Creel Funeral Home.  Mark's family and friends can share memories and condolences at www.creelfuneralhome.com

 



 
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04/21/21 03:09 PM #1    

Janice A. Carter (Buyssens)

I was just thinking about Mark last week. I remember him as very focused. We sat next to each other in a couple classes. He was smart and kind. According to his profile he accomplished a lot that he was most thankful for  Condolences to his family I have fond memories of Mark

 


04/21/21 06:19 PM #2    

Dixie Engel (O'Rourke)

Have fond childhood memories of Mark on webster street.  Rember walks to Flossies market and sharing popsicles.  Walking to court theater and watching show for 25cents.  Hanging out on corner and playing kickball.  Always had secret crush on him.  So happy he had such a lovely family and was so successful.  Prayers to family on your loss. 


04/21/21 07:43 PM #3    

Marlene Melcher

Yes, Dixie, I too thought he was adorable... glad that he had a good life!!  RIP Mark.. you deserve it!

Marlene

 


04/22/21 12:18 PM #4    

Don Elliott (Elliott)

 

 

Mark was such a good friend in School. I remember dropping him off after school and being out with the guys. Cap Fry, Tim Purman, Rick Arnst, Al Raymond and others. Cap's house was the gathering place.
He was so conciencious, focused and cheerful  His appointment to the Air Force Academy was a major event, life changing.  I lost touch after with him and my Saginaw friends after college. May you Rest In Peace Mark and your family and friends be comforted .

 

 


04/22/21 06:10 PM #5    

Robert J. (Cap) Fry

In his “25 Useless Facts About Me” on the reunion website, Mark stated he couldn’t remember far enough back to when I wasn’t his best friend.  Maybe that’s an exaggeration, but, for whatever it’s worth, I do remember the day my mom dragged me the three blocks up Brewster St. from N. Michigan to N. Webster to be sure I met Mark – probably a put-up job; our moms were acquainted, having worked together during the war.

From that point forward, growing up and through every facet of life, we kept in touch, no matter the physical distance.  Our wives hit it off too, so whenever we managed to get together, it was as if all four of us had been friends forever.

So yes, we were both “best man” at each other’s wedding.  We attended each other’s kids’ weddings.  We shared philosophy and reading materials about the world, we shared details about our health challenges, and much more.  Over the last few years, Mark started referring to himself as an “old geezer.”  So, I’ll put on my “grumpy old man” hat, and say, they just don’t make friends like this anymore.

A view of the Fischer "spread" in Montana during our last visit in the Fall of 2016.


04/23/21 11:46 AM #6    

Carolyn Grant (Sertich)

Mark was exactly as described by others. A nice looking  and very friendly nice guy. Rest In Peace Mark.


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