Paul F. Fischer, 97, Dickinson, died Monday, August 11, 2014 at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson. Paul’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, August 14, 2014 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Dickinson, with Fr. Keith Streifel as the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Dickinson Honors Team. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a rosary & vigil at 7 p.m., Wednesday, with Deacon Dallas Carlson presiding.
Paul F. Fischer was born February 7, 1917 on the family farm west of Schefield, the son of Andrew and Appolonia (Gaertner) Fischer. He was raised and educated near Schefield, attending St. Pius Grade School in Schefield, St. Joseph’s School in Dickinson, and some college at Dickinson State Teacher College.
Paul was united in marriage to Florence Septon, on January 7, 1941, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Dickinson. He was a member of the North Dakota National Guard, and the day following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Paul was sent to the front lines of the war in the South Pacific. He served honorably first as a Master Sergeant in the National Guard Comp. B of the 164th Infantry, and later as a Staff Sergeant in the Army with Comp. K, 302nd Infantry. For gallantry in action at Guadalcanal he was awarded the Silver Star. His honorable discharge came on October 21, 1944.
He returned to Dickinson where he worked for the National Geological Survey, and Stark County Auditor, prior to opening Paul’s Standard Service Station. He went on to a 19 year career with MDU.
He belonged to the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, and the St. Anthony Club. He enjoyed camping, fishing, traveling, helping his family, bowling, and watching sports.
Paul is survived by his daughter, Nona (Mark) Miller, Rockfield, Ky.; five grandchildren, Alison (Tony) Hafele, Abram (Leah) Miller, Sara (Patrick) Hennessey, Rachele (Ethan) Sides, and Joshua (Courtney) Miller; and 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Florence on December 12, 2004; his parents; and 12 siblings.
