James D. Fisher

A celebration of life service, with military honors, for James Dennis Fisher, age 77, will be held at River’s Harvest Church in Onalaska on Friday, October 13th, at 11:00 am, with a visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m.  A luncheon will follow the service.

Jim courageously battled pancreatic cancer for over a year before being called home by his Heavenly Father. He passed away peacefully at home on October 6th. He was born on February 27, 1946, in La Crosse, WI to Grover (George) and Lois Fisher. He and his twin sister, Judy, were adopted by their grandmother Fern Stark upon the death of their mother during childbirth. Jim (known by his peers as “Minnow”) grew up in La Crosse and graduated from Central High School in 1964. After high school, he enlisted in the Navy and served on the USS Wasp. He then settled back in La Crosse and worked as a machinist for Machine Products for 25 years and retired as a bus driver for the city, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Jim married Carole Hanson in 1967.  They were happily married for 48 years before Carole’s passing in 2015 from cancer. Out of that union, Jim and Carole raised 7 children. They enjoyed road-tripping across the country, especially on Route 66, as well as singing and making music together.

Jim’s legacy is one of faith and family. He came to know and accept Jesus as his LORD and Savior in his mid-twenties and continued to grow in his faith in Christ up until the day he went to be with Him. He will be remembered for his kind and caring nature, servant heart for others, infectious smile and laughter, silly voices, wearing hats, shooting guns, and dancing.

Jim is survived by his loving partner of over 3 years, Suzzanne Schiebel, who cared for him until the end. They especially loved their dates at La Crosse’s 4 Sisters restaurant. Jim is also survived by his children- son, Jeff, (Melanie) of Minneapolis, MN; son, Jay, (Samantha) of Cambridge, WI; daughter, Shanna Dawson, (Jared) of Albert Lea, MN; daughter, Sarah, of La Crescent, MN; son, Ben, (Jamie) of La Crescent, MN; daughter, Becky Marvel, (Bryan) of Milwaukee, WI; and son, Joel, (Ashley) of La Crescent, MN; 23 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren; his twin sister, Judy Diesburg of La Crosse, WI and other beloved, extended family members.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carole, his older brother, Tom Fisher, his parents, Grover and Lois Fisher, and grandmother, Fern Stark.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Jim’s local chapter of the American Legion Post 52.