Joanne Fischer

Joanne G (Heckmann) Fischer, age 82, of Spring, TX, passed away on February 9 ,2023 at Autumn Leaves of Cyresswood memory care and was too early for the Rapture.  Joanne was born July 5th, 1940, in Merrill, WI, son of the late Martin and Gladys (Richmond) Heckmann.  Joanne fell in love with Ronald Fischer, a neighbor, high school sweetheart. Joanne and her brother Bill moved to town when Joanne was thirteen and Ronny was eleven with Bill being his best friend. The two exchanged vows on August 24, 1963, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill, WI and on August 24, 2013, repeated their 50th vows at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill, WI.

Joanne graduated from Trinity Lutheran school in 1955 and had a deep belief in the Bible.  She was very devoted to knowing her memory verses and she is believed to be the first 8th grade student from Trinity School to be a Sunday School teacher for Trinity Lutheran Church Merrill.  Joanne graduated from Merrill Senior High School in 1959. She worked at Weinbrenner shoe factory until marriage and then worked for the Wisconsin Conservation Department as secretary to the President at Madison, WI while her husband went to school.  After her husband graduated, she became a mother to our children in seven different states. 1st was Indianapolis, Indiana for four years, 2nd was Roxana, Illinois for two years, 3rd was Indianapolis, Indiana for 6 months, 4th was Kalamazoo, Michigan for 2 years, 5th was Midland Texas for 4 years, 6th was New Orleans, La for 8 years, then 7th location was to take Ronny from the field to the head office in Houston, TX. for 19 years with retirement 20 years ago for Ron. Joanne and Ron became an empty nester in 2011 in Spring, TX. 

Joanne’s love of the Lord was very evident in the way they raised their 4 children.  Joanne always kept God and Christian values at the core of everything in their home and daily lives.  The love of the Lord passed on through their children so much so that it even encouraged one of the spouses to become saved early on in their relationship.  Joanne loved teaching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren about the Bible and loved telling the story of Jesus’ birth on Christmas Day and His resurrection on Easter.  Those are all stories that will continue throughout generations to come.

Joanne has always been a very faithful servant of the LORD. She taught Sunday school through her years in the New Orleans area (Slidell).  Then she concentrated on her own grandchildren and great grandchildren by babysitting them while the parents worked. It was a great joy and fulfillment to relate JESUS to whoever she met. An example is during thanksgiving to distribute fourteen pumpkin cheesecake pies to neighbors.   

Joanne is survived by her husband of 59 years Ronald D Fischer. She was fortunate to have our children raised all living within 60 minutes from our home in Spring, TX.  Joanne is survived by three sons raised: Dennis (Jeanie) Fischer of Cypress, TX; Daniel (Holly) Fischer of Tomball, TX and Robert (Katie) Fischer of Spring, TX and one daughter Debra (Bill) Starnes of Washington, TX.  She has six grandchildren: Victor Anthony Barrera, Abigail Barrera, Robert Fischer, Cole Fischer, twins Cade Fischer and Kinsley Fischer.  She also has two great grandchildren: Brinley Fischer and Bailey Fischer.  She is survived by Brother William (Judy) Heckmann. She is preceded in death by her parents and six half-brothers: Carl Prosser, Herbert Prosser, Harold Prosser, Wesley Prosser, Howard Prosser and Lawrence Prosser and one half-sister Ethel Mientke.

A celebration of life gathering will be held at Klein Funeral Home, 16131 Champion Forest Dr., Spring, TX from 5:00 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2023. Memorials can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Spring TX or Trinity Lutheran Church, 107 N State Street, Merrill, WI 54452.

A graveside service and entombment for Joanne will be held on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at 11:00am at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery in Merrill, WI.  Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate. A luncheon will immediately follow the graveside service at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill, along with Klein Funeral Home of Spring, TX, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.