Norman Louis Fischer

Norman "Bud" Louis Fischer of Pierre, SD, passed away peacefully on September 28 at 3:45 a.m. in Fargo, N.D. surrounded by loved ones. "Norm" was born August 14, 1929 in Sioux City, IA, to Robert Fischer and Mary Pfanstiel and lived on a farm outside of Osmond, NE. His family lost the farm during the depression and moved to Valentine, NE.

Norm enlisted in the US Army on December 20, 1947. He started as a cook and then became an artillery instructor at Fort Benning, GA. He was deployed oversees as part of the army of occupation in Japan and served in the Korean War. He was proud of his military commendations which included three bronze service stars and a good conduct medal.

Following an honorable discharge on December 29, 1951, Norm returned to Nebraska and worked as a farmhand on the Linaberry farm near Valentine. On December 26, 1953, he married Mary Brown and they moved to Omaha, NE, where Norm attended trade school on the GI bill. Following his graduation, they moved to Rapid City, SD, where he sold and repaired TVs and other appliances for Goode's Home Furnishing. In 1967, he began working for the South Dakota State Department of Emergency and Disaster Service repairing Geiger counters and training others to use them to detect radiation. The family moved to Pierre, SD, in 1969 when Norm took on additional duties with the department. He eventually became the Emergency Management Director and was involved heavily in coordinating relief efforts for communities impacted by natural disasters until he retired in 1995.

As a younger man, Norm enjoyed racing stock cars, hunting and being outdoors. Norm was a do-it-yourselfer who worked on projects around his house and gardening. In his retirement, he enjoyed "puttering" or "loafin" in his yard. He was a quiet man but gregarious with a dry sense of humor and passers-by would frequently stop to talk when walking by the house. Norm always enjoyed the chats while he would be "loafin" in his yard. Norm moved to Fargo, ND, in 2022 to be closer to family.

Norm is preceeded in death by his wife Mary, both parents, and two brothers (Carl and Al). He is survived by his children Vicki, Steven, Barbara (and Jeff) and Daniel (and Jennie); ten grandchildren; and ten (soon to be 11) great-grandchildren.

He will be interred in Valentine Nebraska with Mary this coming summer. His family would like to thank Ethos Hospice and TouchMark for caring for Norm.

Mary Jean (Brown) Fischer, 84

Mary Jean (Brown) Fischer of Pierre, SD, passed away on October 26, 2018 following a battle with cancer. She died early in the morning surrounded by loved ones in Fargo, ND.

Mary was born February 16, 1934 in Crookston, NE to Carl and Frances Brown and grew up on a farm in Todd County, SD. She married Norman Louis Fischer on December 26, 1953 in Valentine, NE. They lived in both Rapid City, SD, and Pierre, SD. Mary ran a day care service out of her home and cared for hundreds of children. She was passionate about kids. Mary's house was always open. If you didn't like lunch that day, had a bad day in middle school, or wanted to stop by in high school, you were always welcome. Her daycare kids would remember "mud day", mac and cheese lunches with peanut butter/marshmallow sandwiches, and playing on the backyard tire swings and jungle gym. She offered rules to live by including: if you bring a toy you have to be willing to share, pick up one thing before you get out another, and wait for your turn. Mary also loved auctions, sewing, and visiting with family and friends.

Mary was preceeded in death by her parents, brothers Lawrence, Clarence, Donald, and sisters Dorothy, Helen, Ethel Grace and Rose. She is survived by her husband, Norman of Pierre, and children Vicki, Steve, Barb (and Jeff Madison) and Dan (and Jennie), ten grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by brothers, Willis and Marvin (Brown), and sister, Mildred (Grooms).

In typical Mary fashion, she requested that no fuss or funeral service be held. She did hope that people will remember happy times with her, favorite stories, and jokes. She will be interred in Valentine, NE this summer when her family will hold a service of remembrance. Her family would like to thank Ethos Hospice of Fargo for all of their care during Mary's illness.

Memorial service for Norman "Bud" & Mary Fischer of Pierre, SD and formerly of Valentine, will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines in Valentine.  Inurnment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine.

Survivors

Children-Vicki

Steve

Barb

Dan