It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Sheila Karen (Johnston) Fisher, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, peacefully passed away in her home located in Tempe, Maricopa County Arizona on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at the age of 83.
Sheila Karen (Johnston) Fisher was born on December 2, 1941, in Hettinger, Adams County North Dakota. Her parents were LuVerne Eugene Johnston and Annie Mathilda Mueller. Her father LuVerne was born on January 22, 1903, in Newark Kendall County Illinois, and died June 6, 1974, in Hettinger, Adams County North Dakota. Her mother Annie was born November 7, 1908, in Traverse County Minnesota and died January 10, 1987, in Hettinger, Adams County North Dakota.
Sheila worked with Gene Fisher building Fisher Sand and Gravel in North Dakota, a company that would go on to become a leading supplier of sand, gravel, and construction materials in the region. In addition to their work with Fisher Sand & Gravel, Sheila and Gene co-founded General Steel & Supply Company in Dickinson, which provides steel products and services to industries across the region. While the company’s initials may have stood for General Steel, those close to the Fishers knew it really stood for Gene & Sheila, reflecting their equal partnership and shared values.
She indulged her childhood love of horses when she and Gene purchased Green Acres Farm in Simpsonville, Kentucky where she raised and showed champion American Saddlebreds.
She lived a full and meaningful life, dedicated to her family and community. She was an active member of the Cactus Wren Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and a member of US Daughters of 1812. During her life, she contributed her knowledge and passion for family history. Her love of genealogy was more than just a hobby; it was a way for her to connect with the past and preserve the stories of her family for future generations.
Sheila and Gene were two passionate souls whose love for travel and adventure inspired everyone they met. Together, they explored the world, visiting 68 countries and seven continents across the globe, enriching their lives with the diverse cultures, landscapes, and experiences they encountered along the way.
Sheila found joy in the simple moments, from family gatherings to hosting holiday celebrations. Her heart was filled by the presence of her family and a full home. Her warmth and generosity of spirit will always be remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing her.
Sheila survived both husbands. Her first marriage was to William Rapheal Schwab. They married on August 9, 1960, in Hettinger, Adams County North Dakota. Children from this marriage are David William and Suzanne Maria. David William Schwab Fisher of Fargo, ND married Laura Ann (Albery) of Chandler AZ. Their children are Katherine Ann (Fisher) Parsons married to Jordan Taylor Parsons, James Robert Fisher, and Ashley Laura Fisher. Suzanne Maria (Schwab Fisher) Medley married Greg Francis Medley both of Tempe, AZ. Their children are Kristen Marie Medley, Matthew Joseph Medley, Henry Francis Medley. Her second marriage was to Eugene William Fisher on December 26, 1968, in Dickinson, Stark County, North Dakota. Children from this marriage are Thomas Gene and Micheal Luverne.
Thomas Gene Fisher first married Heather Jean (Gannon) Chamberlain. They had two children, Grant Lee Fisher and Ryan Davis Fisher. His second marriage was to Candice Nicole (Smith) of Tempe, AZ, their daughter is Anastazia Amelia Aurora Fisher. Micheal Fisher of Dickinson, ND married Christina (Schaefer) of Dickinson, ND, and their daughter is Autumn Reyne Fisher. Sheila was the last living member of her family. Her siblings, whom she loved dearly were Verna Ann (Johnston) married to Arvel Albert Anfinson; Donald “Donny” Hubert Johnston married to Merry (Adams); and Gerald David Johnston married to Donna Mae (Scheeler).
A funeral viewing will be held in Arizona on Monday, January 6, 2025, 5 – 7 pm at Whitney & Murphy Bueler Mortuary, 14 W Hulet Drive, Chandler AZ 85225. Sheila’s Mass of Christian Burial will held at 10 a.m., Friday, January 10, 2025 at St Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Dickinson with Msgr. Patrick Schumacher as celebrant. Friends and family are invited to gather to share memories and celebrate her legacy following the Mass. Visitation will be one hour prior the Mass at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. She will be buried in Hettinger, Adams County, ND at the Hettinger Cemetery next to her husband Gene Fisher.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Cactus Wren, NSDAR, a cause close to Sheila’s heart. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. May her memory be a blessing.
