Donald "DJ" Fischer
May 1, 1983 ~ April 27, 2014
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Donald “DJ” Fischer, 30, of Gettysburg, passed away, Sunday, April 27, 2014 in a tragic plane crash south of Highmore, SD.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 3, 2014 at the Gettysburg School Gym with Father Jerry Kopel officiating. Burial followed in the Gettysburg Cemetery. A prayer service was held at 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 2, 2014 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Gettysburg.
Donald Jerome Fischer “DJ”, was born May 1, 1983 in Gettysburg, SD to Donald Dale and Laurie (Pollock) Fischer.
DJ was born, raised, and resided in Gettysburg, a community he loved and generously supported. He graduated from Gettysburg High School in 2001 where he enjoyed competing in football, basketball, and track for the Battlers. He was a great friend to all and was named Homecoming King and Male Athlete of the Year his senior year. His true passion was on the football field and he continued his football career with a scholarship to South Dakota State University, where he was an outstanding Jackrabbit for 5 years. He graduated from SDSU with an Economics degree in 2006. It was at SDSU where he earned his private pilot’s license, and discovered his new passion, FLYING.
He started his flying career by briefly moving to Myrtle Beach, SC to build flight hours by towing banners along the beach. He said the job was horribly boring, but was worth it to become a Commercial Ag Pilot, a career he had been looking forward to since he was a little boy. He moved back to Gettysburg in 2007 to work for Air Kraft Spraying out of Timber Lake, SD. He loved his job dearly and looked forward to every day he was able to do what he loved (unless it was a day full of little fields). He was most comfortable when he was in an airplane and enjoyed giving rides to anyone brave enough to ride with him. Local farmers were always searching the skies, as they knew a “buzz” from DJ was always a possibility.
DJ could never sit still. In addition to flying, he owned and operated Dakota Applicators, a spray foam insulation company that he built into a thriving business. He also was an avid outdoorsman and dedicated his fall each year to guiding at the Paul Nelson Farm pheasant-hunting lodge. He raised and trained two labs, Blondie and Zoey, and loved to watch them flush birds and make impossible retrieves from the field.
DJ was highly regarded in the community of Gettysburg where he was very active. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He served as the city airport manager and was an active member of the local Friends of the NRA chapter. He also served as an EMT and volunteer firefighter. Everyone praised DJ for his calm and confident demeanor during emergency situations.
DJ, aka “the gentle giant”, was a very selfless man and always put others ahead of himself. He was quite the jokester and the king of “winging it”. Details never really meant much to DJ as long as the end result was close to what he was looking for. He was a light-hearted, sincere man who never let the small things get to him. He truly took life in stride adhering to his motto, “it is what it is”.
DJ met the love of his life, Megan Grove in June of 2012. Sparks flew from the start and they spent as much time as possible together over the next several months. He knew she was “the one” and they got engaged during a well planned “emergency” landing in September of 2013. They were then married in Mexico on March 12, 2014 with family and friends by their side. A good time was definitely had by all.
The couple made the most of their short time together by having fun in whatever they did. They enjoyed traveling together in their Piper Lance airplane to visit family and friends. They also attended every possible Jackrabbit football game and hosted the Mini Winnie Tailgate party at home games.
DJ is survived by his wife Megan of Gettysburg; mother, Laurie (Steve) Robbennolt of Gettysburg; maternal grandparents: Mike & Mary Pollock of Sturgis; paternal grandmother, Dorothy Fischer of Gettysburg; grandmother, Donna Robbennolt of Gettysburg; sisters: Amber (Andy) Mikkelsen, Katelyn and Kelcey Robbennnolt all of Gettysburg; brothers: Tyler (Kelsey) Fischer, Michael Fischer, and Blake Robbennolt all of Gettysburg; nieces: Neva, Olivia, and Isabelle Mikkelsen; nephews: Camdon and Nash Fischer; aunts, uncles, cousins and his two dogs, Blondie and Zoey. He is also survived by his paternal father-in-law, Mark (Sharilyn) Grove of Cedar Falls, IA; maternal mother-in-law, Jackie (Chet) Edinger of Mitchell; brother-in-law, Tanner Grove and sisters-in-law, Molly & Taylor Grove all of Mitchell.
DJ was preceded in death by his father, Donald Fischer; uncles: Jerry, Duane, and Donny Pollock; grandfather, Wilfred Fischer and Gene Robbennolt.
Our deepest and sincerest gratitude is extended to all of our family and friends, near and far, for your support and prayers in our time of grieving.
A memorial has been established at Great Western Bank, 111 N. East St, Gettysburg, SD 57442.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with DJ’s arrangements.
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Fischer Family (Amber) – So sorry – my heart breaks for you. DJ was a great guy – he gave the best hugs and that is something I and many others will never forget. You are all in my thoughts.
I am so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed DJ. He was so upbeat and always made people around him feel good.
I am so sorry to hear about DJ. He was an awesome young man taken way too soon. Prayers to his family!!
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I didn’t know DJ as he was much younger than me but I know my brother and many others thought very much of him. My heart breaks for you. May God bring you comfort at this difficult time. And may sweet memories of him last in your mind forever.
It was devastating to learn about DJ this morning. He was such a fun loving guy and always full of spunk!! Thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
Laurie, Megan and Family,
We are so very sorry for your tragic loss. DJ holds a special place in Paul’s heart, as do you, Laurie. Our love and hearts go out to you all.
Lori & family,
We were saddened to hear about your loss. DJ was an awesome young man. Please know that we are thinking of you all.
Chuck & Dawnita Forell
May God walk with those DJ walked with everyday! Proof that God truly wants the best angels he can find! Rest in Peace. Prayers and blessings to the entire home town community! Especially Lori and Steve, Tyler, Michael, Amber and families.
My deepest sympathy to all of the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Our sincere condolences,. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
So sorry for your loss, you are all in our prayers, DJ was a wonderful young man who will be missed by many
So sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
So sorry to hear about DJ. Thoughts are prayers are with you
+J.M.J.+
I was saddened to hear of the passing of +D.J. May he rest in peace. I have fond memories of +D.J. and the Fischer Family. This morning, I offered the Holy Mass for the happy repose of the Souls of +D.J., +Brent, +Logan and +Nick. May Jesus and Mary embrace those who mourn.
Big man, bigger heart, I played football with DJ at SDSU. He had a great motor and never quit on a play, I remember his fun loving nature off the field. He will be missed. I know he is up there with his fellow Jackrabbits that he played with rehashing them old days. Prayers to your family.
Caring thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.E
DJ was a cool kid. He always wanted to fly now he flies higher than ever. He will be missed.
I am so very sorry for your great loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you now and in the coming days.
May our Heavenly Father hold you in His loving arms and give you comfort.
Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers…..
Laurie and family, I am so sorry to hear about D.J. May God’s love comfort you at this time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Laurie and family, Thinking of you during this, my heart breaks for the hurt you are going through.
Take Care – God Bless
Laurie and family: There are no words to express our sorrow. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Our hearts are breaking for you.
Vince and Micky
Our deepest sympathies at your loss. Although I did not know DJ well, I know how well liked he was in the community. Shane considered him a friend. He will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with you and your families.
So sorry for your loss. He will truly be missed by everyone. He touched so many hearts.
What a young man DJ was. One of my last memories was DJ taking his nieces downstairs at church to look at his name on the Cubbies chart and see where his height was at when a cubbie. They were so excited to know he was once a cubbie. So good with those girls.
You were and are and always will be a good man.
I am proud to have known you.
Amber and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your brother’s accident. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all during this difficult time. May wonderful memories comfort you.
D J will always shine as an example of what a man should be. Truly a good man. The world will truly miss him.
Dear Megan and family of DJ;
Please except our sympathy as you morn the loss of DJ. Although we never met him, all who have shared about him tell of what a great young man he was. May your memories of the time you shared and the joys and love he brought into your lives give you comfort in the days ahead. Megan, we send our love and prayers to you. May you cherish the time you and DJ shared knowing they will always have a special place in your heart.
Deepest sympathies on the loss of this special person in your lives. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Marty & Lila
DJ always had a smile and hug for everyone. He will be missed by all.
DJ always was a kind and caring person! My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family and friends, as well as my deepest sympathy to his new bride! May GOD show you peace!!! Rest in paradise my friend!!!
DJ and Family: He went from a little boy always wanting to play basketball with big kids in the auditorium to a very respectable man that everyone wanted to play with! You were a big part of Ryan and Paul’s lives and a great friend to all. We will see you again some day, you will be missed until then!!!!
DJ will always be loved and missed. I think we all looked to DJ as our superman, and now he will be our superman angel! My deepest sympathies to the family and friends of DJ! R.I.P. DJ, may God be with you all!!!
Hang in there guys, have faith, DJ is in a better place, we all love you guys.
I am Mike Gunvordahl’s daughter. I wanted to send our love and prayers to all of you. We are lifting you up and asking God to hold you close.
Steve and Lisa Mayer.
I am so very sorry about DJ’s death, my daughter Kristi Zimmer Vaupel loved to take care of him during the summer while he was young. Know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers
Mary and Stan Zimmer
I DO NOT KNOW DJ OR HIS FAMILY HOWEVER I SEND THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS. MAY GOD GIVE YOU EACH STRENGTH TO SEE YOU THROUGH THIS TRADEGY TODAY, TOMMORROW AND ALWAYS…GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOUG8FP
I grew up just across the street from DJ and his family. His family was our family, though not bleed, the greatest friends you could ask for. I can not put into words how special a person DJ was. Though in our adult years we saw very little of each other, but when we did, it was as if no time was lost. My heart is sad for his family and friends that will miss him more than all the stars in the sky, but I am also rejoicing in the fact that he is in his Heavenly home. You have made some many proud, DJ and I have to believe that there was some very important work the Lord needed you for more than us. “Buzz” us every now and then so we know you are still looking down on us from you favorite place.
I had the pleasure of hunting with DJ while a guest at Paul Nelson Farm. He was friendly, professional, and keenly concerned that the hunters were successful. All my condolences to his family and friends. His was a life that ended far too soon.
I had the pleasure of meeting DJ by working at gas and goodies. I remember him as a big kind hearted man. Bring the girls in to get ice cream and watching as he jokes with others in the store. He was truely a great man and touch so many hearts here in Gettysburg. Fly on DJ, fly on.
I had the pleasure of meeting DJ on a pheasant hunting trip. What a kind, good hearted individual. Though I spent only a short amount of time around DJ, there is no doubt he will truly be missed by those who had the honor of knowing him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends!
I just recieved notification on your un-exspected tragity. Not knowing D.J. but knowing very personal but as a wonderfulk caring guide when I would put on hunts for Senator Thune I love when he was part of it and made so many of the guest feel comfortable and having fun, D.J is going to be greatly missed, not just from me, but everyone D.J. came in contact with. I am sure he is looking down and willbe taking care of not only his family but again everyone he touched. God bless and my sincerely condolences. Michael Garfield
I know that DJ was well loved and well respected. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family in your time of grieving.
I was his RA his freshman year. I remember him much as described in his obit. A big man with a big heart — and honorable, respectful and hard working. My prayers go out to you and yours in this time of loss.
I will always remember the time when Bobbie,DJ, jay and frosty came hunting west river we had a good time.
Will also miss seeing him and Doug both at the chemical meetings
Our thoughts and prayers to you
He was a good man and will be missed
Oren, Tracy, Colt, Colby and Chelsy Lesmeister
It was with great regret I heard of DJ’s passing. He was a great guide. I had hunted with him many times at Paul’s.
My deepest sympathy to his family.
Laurie, I cannot imagine the pain that you and your family are feeling at this time. Please know that I am thinking of you and praying that God will provide you comfort.
Laurie, My heart is breaking for you and your family. You are in my prayers and may God give you the strength you need to get through this tragedy. Please let your parents know that I am thinking of them also.
My condolences to the Fischer family. What a kind, sweet and gentle soul Dj was. Keeping all of you in my prayers.
My deepest and sincere sympathies go out to your family. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Sincerely, Lori Miller
My deepest sympathies. I had the pleasure of coaching DJ at SDSU. He was a tremendous person and will be greatly missed.
My deepest sympathy to DJ’s family and many friends. Having known him most of his life,I watched him grow and become a wonderful man loved by everyone who came to know him. I always enjoyed seeing him in Gettysburg because his smile always made you feel good. He will be greatly missed. May God comfort you.
My thoughts and prayers are with DJ’s family and friends.
Friends of the Nelson family and fellow aviator.
Our class was always playing together growing up at the Youth Center, some of my favorite memories are playing Ghosts in the Graveyard in the park and going to school with D.J. in Gettysburg. Who will ever forget Freshman initiation when he wore that ballerina outfit. He was a big boy. This is a very sad time for everyone he has touched lives from back in 1987 when we were in Mrs. Smith’s preschool. Prayers for all his family and friends, we know he will be up there waiting to give us a tour when we arrive to meet him. Give Mattie and Neil a hug from me buddy.
Our deepest and most sincere condolences to you all. Please know that your family is on the hearts and minds of so many people right now. I hope you feel the true outpouring of love and concern for all your families on these difficult days. May each lasting memory of all you shared ease your pain and gently bring comfort to your heart.
Our deepest sympathy to you all,no words can express the sadness in this tragic time of your lives.Cherish all the memories and laughters,welcome all hugs for the weeks and months to come.You all are in our prayers.
Our hearts are just breaking for all of you during this horrible tragedy!. DJ was a great friend of my son, Tyler Hearnen’s and he will be missed by all at the airport in Gettysburg! He sounded like such an amazing young man that you should be very proud of! I lost my father in a plane crash several years ago and it’s all such a shock to endure! You have all been in our thoughts and prayers and will continue to be! God doesn’t promise us a life without trials and I would say this tops them all! But I do believe that He will never leave us and that He has overcome this world! DJ is soaring high and you will be reunited someday. Until then, the pain will be sharp but rely on friends and family to get through it and know that others who don’t even know you will life you up in prayer and concern! God Bless and again, we are so very very sorry for your loss!!
Our thought and prayers are with the family. D.J. was a fine young man and he will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers to your entire family. We didn’t know DJ personally but he sounds like a wonderful young man. May God wrap his arms around you today and the days to come.
Susan & Gary Buer
Josh Buer & Family
Stacy Nuzum & Family
Please accept our prayers of condolence during this very, very difficult time.
Please know Laurie that you and your family are in our thoughts & prayers. God Bless You!
Rest in peace DJ. Comfort and prayers to a wonderful family at this time. May you find peace and happiness in all of the wonderful memories. My heart breaks for all of you.
Such a sad day. Will miss hunting with DJ .. He was always so upbeat and really loved his job. A real loss.
There are no words that can take away the pain you are feeling, but all the words and photos that his family and friends are sharing must make you very proud of the young man that DJ had become. He was truly a sweet outstanding individual that will be remembered and looked upto by the community and youth for many many years to come. I feel blessed to say that DJ was a friend to our family! God bless to you all! fly on DJ fly on!
To Laurie and family,
I wanted to extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family. I’m the daughter of Rex and Karen Larson and over the years dad has spoken fondly of you and your children. Our family was very sad to hear the tragic news. You all are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
To the family of DJ,
The staff at The Hoven Review sends our sympathy to all of you. May the Lord wrap his loving arms around you during this difficult time.
U will be missed my friend. U will be missed. I will think of you often caa
We are very sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
We will miss DJ.
Words cannot express our sympathy for DJ’s family. Know that we are thinking of all of you. RIP DJ, you are flying high.
“The guardian angels of life fly so high as to be beyond our sight, but they are always looking down upon us.” Jean Paul Richter
Extending our deepest sympathy.
I met DJ last year on a hunt he guided. He was a very good guide and a pleasure to talk to. My deepest condolences to DJ ‘s wife and family. May God comfort you thru this difficult time.
I never knew DJ, but so many of my friends did—and from their stories I can tell he was a great guy. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family and friends, especially Megan. I got the chance to know Megan while she was in her first year of her graduate program and my heart breaks for her losing the love of her life far too soon. I hope that god and your new guardian angel can guide you through this tragedy.
Laurie and family-
You are in my thoughts and prayers! DJ was such an awesome person! Even though we didn’t keep in touch as we got older, I still admired and thought very highly of him. He will be missed by many and never forgotten as he was a great friend to so many people.
Laurie, Megan & the rest of the Fischer family. Wish there was something I could say or to make things better. My sympathy to all. HUGS
Laurie, words can’t express how sorry we are for you & your family. May God help you all get through this tough time in your life, thoughts & prayers to all of you. Tell Mom & Dad hi from us & give them our sympathy. Everything we hear about him, we know he was a wonderful guy & will be truly missed by all. God Bless all of you.
Mark, Shar, Megan and DJ’s family,
We were very saddened to read of your son-in-law’s accident. It sounded like he lived a wonderfully active life and was taken home so unexpectedly. Your daughter and DJ’s family are in our prayers.
May God’s never ending love give you comfort and strength in this tragic loss
Megan Laurie Steve & all the Fisher family Our prayers and hugs to you in this time God will keep his arms around you now and in the future.
Megan,
I was so very saddened to hear of this tragic accident. Please know that you are being lifted up in my thoughts and Prayers. I can not begin to imagine what you are going through. May all your fun memories carry you through this very difficult time in your life. May the Lord bless you and comfort you. Hang in there Megan.
my family thoughts and prayers are for you all God bless
My heart breaks for all of you. DJ was a wonderful man in so many different facets of his life. He gave of his time and talents unconditionally. DJ was an awesome role model to our kids, and he will always be remembered with a smile. Until we meet again, DJ.
My heartfelt sympathies are extended to so many people fortunate to have shared the life and love of DJ. There are no adequate words to express the impacts of neither his wonderful being nor his devastating fatality.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Look to God for your comfort and strength.
Our hearts hurt for your family. We only met DJ over a year ago and the few times we met him he was exactly has everyone has so kindly described him. He was always upbeat, fun loving and made us feel welcome. I could see that DJ had a huge influence on all of his brothers and sisters…so whenever you are missing DJ, just talk to and look at anyone in your family because as he left a large part of himself in each one of you. I don’t know that I have ever met a family that is as close as this family is so even though God has called him home at a very young age, I believe you have had more love, fun and joy with DJ in this short time than a lot of families experience in a lifetime. God Bless and be proud of the man he became.
Our Prayers & Thoughts go out to all of you !
Our prayers flow out to DJ and his family. I’ll remember him for our little “side conversations” we would have at the end of many corn rows. God bless DJ.
Sending prayers from Washington State for each and everyone who knew this extraordinary sole, so sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Karen and Dennis Holmlund
So sorry to hear of the loss of D. J.
Just met him this year on a hunt with Carroll Tire. He was a remarkable young man. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
So sorry to here of the accident my thoughts and prayers are with you. DJ will be missed by all. I remember him when Dave and I were up there as a little boy, full of mischief and ready to help!
Thinking of you during this difficult time.
We never met DJ, but knew Laurie and Tyler as part of the SMSU football family. We send our hugs and prayers as you grieve. DJ will walk beside you every day; unseen, unheard… but always near…still loved, still missed, and very dear.
(Hugs) and prayers going out to you and your family
I’m SPEECHLESS.!! Thoughts and prayers go out to you today and always. God Bless…
Megan, Laurie, Steve and Families; Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this most difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss. I will never forget DJ, such a kind, dedicated and likeable man.
Megan, The SDSU College of Nursing community has been lifting you and all the families involved up in thoughts and prayers.
Megan, there are no words to express my deepest sorrow for you and your family. May God’s grace give you peace and comfort at this tragic time and in the months ahead. I will continue to keep you in my prayers. Love and Sympathy, Marjean
Mike, Mary and Laurie,
My heart goes out to you all. You are in my prayers to cope with all of this.
Megan,
I can not express how sadden I am to hear of your husband. The Pollocks and my family have very special ties.
You are in my prayers.
Judy Thiesse
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family in your time of grief. DJ was a person that can be described in a few word “True Angel” he brought happiness to everyone around him.
DJ will forever be in our hearts! He will be missed by many! I pray that each day will get easier for Megan and the rest of his many friends and family.
I have some good memories of DJ when he was a young boy and we were learning to help Donny and Rex do some flagging for the crop dusting.
Last night when we were visiting with Grandpa Polock he brought up when DJ came and worked with us at our Wild Game Processing one hunting season in Colome. We were in the busy part of our season with mainly pheasants, a few elk, and then when the buffalo showed up! That’s when DJ new he wasn’t going to be in the meat business! Mike still laughs about it to this day.
RIP
Laurie, Mike, Mary and Family of DJ, Our heart aches for you. We never knew DJ but it seems he was a wonderful person.
Laurie, It’s been years since I seen you, but as the little sister of one of my closest and best friends while growing up, your family has always held a special place in my heart. May God be with you and your family as you go through this most difficult time.
megan, you have been in my prayers & thoughts ever since i’ve heard about your loss of dj. praying for God’s peace & comfort to be with you during the days & months ahead & for you to know the comfort of God’s love. praying for you.
So sorry for your loss, there are no words that will fill the void in your family. Keep DJ’s love for life close, he will be missed.
Sincerely,
Shane
SDSU FOOTBALL 98-02