Irma Fischer

Irma Irene Fischer, 83, of Eagle Butte, SD, was with the angels as she slipped away from this world on Friday, February 12, 2010 at the Casa Grande Hospice Center in Casa Grande, AZ.

Family and loved ones surrounded her as she left peacefully. She fought a valiant battle with lung and kidney failure, only to succumb to its ravages. She didn’t waiver a bit, looking death in the eye like the tough woman she was.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., MST, Saturday, February 20, 2010 at the All Saints Catholic Church in Eagle Butte. Burial was held at the Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis. A prayer service was held at 7:00 p.m., Friday, February 19, at the church with visitation one hour prior.

Irma Irene Sever Fischer was born July 22, 1926 at the family farm south of Lantry to Lee and Myrtle (Royal) Sever. She was the oldest of five children. She attended the Rosene Country School through the eighth grade. She then attended Dupree High School graduating in 1944. She worked at various jobs during high school. Her first year of high school was held in the Legion Hall while the new school was being built. After graduation in May, she went to Black Hills State College in Spearfish, SD. She returned home in September and taught the Fairview Country School for nine months. In June of 1945 she was employed as a clerk for John Francis at the Dupree Post Office.

Irma married Pete Fischer on September 3, 1947 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dupree. They moved to Eagle Butte in December of 1947. To this union two sons were born, Doug in 1948 and Jerry in 1956. Irma and Pete owned a garage and filling station selling Phillips 66 products. Irma was the bookkeeper and also worked many long hours checking oil, pumping gas and washing windshields, standing on a box to reach them.

She was a member of All Saints Catholic Church, Altar Society, American Legion Auxiliary, Kensington Club and bookkeeper for Landmark Hall for many years. Some of her favorite pastimes were visiting her dear friends who stopped to help her, talking on the phone, playing cards and collecting owls.

She lived in Eagle Butte until September 19, 2009. Because of failing health she went to live with her son, Jerry and his wife, Cyndi in Maricopa, AZ.

Irma is survived by her son, Jerry (Cyndi) Fischer; grandchildren: Vernon (Yuki) Traversie of Milwaukee, WI, Norma Thongvanh, Tammi Fischer, Lee Fischer and Vicky Fischer of Sioux Falls, SD, Josi (Jace) Halfred of Maricopa, AZ, Mendoza and Michael John Halfred of Maricopa, AZ; great grandchildren: Peter, Alan and Kevin Thongvanh, Tommy, Brian and Alexander Fischer, Jessie and Jocilyn Traversie, Emerita Fischer, Bobby Mendoza; one sister, Elaine (Joe) Floyd of Harrisburg, SD; sisters-in-law: Alice Clausen of Mobridge, SD, Mary Janssen of Corvallis, OR, Betty Fischer of Sturgis, SD, Genny Fischer of Choppell, NE, Lois Sever of Deadwood, SD and Connie Sever of Dupree, SD; numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Myrtle Sever; husband of 56 years, Pete Fischer, in 2003; son, Douglas, in 1996; three brothers, Kenneth in 2001, Dallas in 2003 and Dwight in 1960.

Luce Funeral Chapel of Eagle Butte has been entrusted with Irma’s arrangements.

CLERGY
Fr. Matthew Fallgren

CASKETBEARERS
Monty Sever
Harley Morgan
Riley Anderson
Chuck Sever
Dennis Neigel
Jim Anderson

HONORARY CASKETBEARERS
Norman Meyer
Loraine Brotsky
Helen Schad
Nancy Zins
Alva Schneider
Mary Walters
Shirley Hinzman
Darvel Sever
Virginia Woodward
Alice & Duane Thomas
Faye & Bob Butler
All Beloved Relatives & Friends

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Loraine Brotsky
Nancy Zins

LECTOR
Les Hinzman

USHERS
Kenny Hertel
Bud Neigel

ORGANIST
Jo Ellen Miller

VOCALISTS
Kalyn & Chuck Sever

MUSIC SELECTIONS
"Wind Beneath My Wings"
"Angels Amoung Us"
"Day by Day"

INTERMENT
Black Hills National Cemetery
Sturgis, South Dakota