Harry Arthur Fischer, 88, of Interlochen, died peacefully on August 2nd, 2015, surrounded by his family.
Harry was born in 1927 in Wurzburg, Germany, the eldest son of Karl and Eva Fischer. He immigrated to America with his parents later that year. He married Helma, the love of his life, in 1959 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Bayside, NY. They were married for 56 years, and raised three children together: Harry (Stephanie), Eleanore (Robert) Richards, and Bruce (Anne). They were blessed with eight grand-children: Margaret, Adam, Grace, Christian, John, William, Claire and Luke. Harry also has two nephews who survive him: Douglas (Janine) and their daughters Alexandra and Sydney, and James (Diana) and their son Karl. Harry was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Karl, and his sister-in-law Elaine.
Harry started college at the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn in 1943 at age 16, enlisted in the Navy in 1945 at age 18, and was honorably discharged in 1946. He immediately returned to college, completing his Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering in 1948. While working for New Jersey based Drew Chemical Corporation, he earned his Master's degree in Chemical Engineering in 1953 from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn (now New York University). He then joined Sunshine Biscuits on Long Island, NY, first as a Chemical Engineer, and then in management. After the company was bought out, he chose to make a lifestyle and career transition and moved with his family to the Mid-west to take a job with Werner Lehara (Baker Perkins/APV Baker). He worked for APV Baker in both Saginaw, MI and Grand Rapids, MI, rising to the position of Vice President Corporate Development. He retired in 1992 after 21 years with the company. Upon his retirement, Harry and Helma moved to Interlochen, where living on Green Lake helped satisfy his passion for fishing and boating. He served on the Board and as President of the Green Lake Association. The most important thing in life to Harry was his family; he was happiest surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. Harry loved to fish in both salt and freshwater, acquiring an impressive array of rods, boats and tackle. In early retirement, Harry and Helma travelled extensively with their camper, taking extended trips throughout the US, but most often to locations with great fishing! Harry also loved woodworking; he was an accomplished cabinetmaker as well as a carver and turner. Every Christmas he hand-made wooden toys, sleds, rocking horses, furniture and jewelry boxes for his grandchildren. He was an all-around handy-man, able to fix just about anything. He had an encyclopedic memory, an analytical mind, and tremendous problem solving skills. He was an avid reader, constantly challenging himself with difficult scientific and engineering texts. Harry was also a member of Tau Beta Pi, an Engineering Honor Society.
A memorial service honoring Harry will take place at 12 noon on Wednesday, August 5th, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, U.S. 31 at Rogers Road, Interlochen, with Pastor Mark Berlin officiating. Visitation will precede the service from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Heart Association or Redeemer Lutheran Church would be appreciated.
Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Harry's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .
The family is being assisted by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.