Eugene William “Gene” Fisher, 84, Dickinson, died Tuesday, December 17, 2013 from cancer at his home in Tempe, Ariz. Gene’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 28, 2013 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Dickinson, with Msgr. Patrick Schumacher as the celebrant. Visitation will be on Friday, December 27, 2013 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with a rosary & vigil at 7 p.m.
Gene was born December 26, 1928 in Dickinson, to Anton and Albina (Beverka) Fisher. He graduated from Versippi High School. Gene proudly served our country in the US Army during the Korean Conflict from 1951-1953. He was married to Sheila Johnston on December 26, 1968.
Gene Fisher was a celebrity among contractors. There are few contractors who do not know Gene’s name and reputation. For another thing, he had a storybook tale to tell: Gene started in the construction business at age 10 buying Fisher Sand & Gravel’s first trucks. Gene continued his career with his love of gravel. He mined in over 850 gravel pits throughout his life time. Gene and Sheila went on to build several businesses in North Dakota. Gene’s ability to engineer equipment surpassed most formally educated engineers, which was remarkable given his high school education. His patented air separator invention is currently sold in seven different countries all over the world.
Gene was an active member of the Elks Lodge 1137 and served as Exalted Ruler from 1978 – 1979.
Gene is survived by his wife, Sheila, and four children: David Fisher of Fargo, Greg and Suzanne Medley of Tempe, Ariz., Thomas and Candice Fisher of Tempe, Ariz., and Mike and Christina Fisher of Dickinson. He is also survived by ten grandchildren; Katherine Fisher, James Fisher, Ashley Fisher, Kristen Medley, Matthew Medley, Hannah Medley, Grant Fisher, Ryan Fisher, Ana Fisher, and Autumn Fisher. He is survived by two brothers: Arnold Fisher of Dickinson, and Jordon and Darlene Fisher of Dickinson.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org/donate.
