Final Salute

Joseph “Joe” Fischer of Rochester, MN passed away peacefully at the age of 97 on January 29, 2025, in Eau Claire, WI.

Joe was born in Rochester on April 25, 1927, Joe was the son of Ida Mae and Aloysius Fischer, the sixth of eleven children.

Joe attended Rochester Catholic Schools. In 1944, after his junior year at Our Lady of Lourdes High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a Seabee in the South Pacific until 1946. Upon his return, he completed his high school education and met Patricia Maron McLaughlin, as members of Lourdes graduating class of 1947. They were married August 30, 1947, and had five children: Linda Loerch; Jane Yager of Burnsville, MN; Timothy of St. Louis, MO; Jeffrey (Deb) of Eau Claire, WI; and Laurie Gathje (Steve) of Plymouth, MN.

Joe worked for 14 years at SM Supply Company. In 1961, he co-founded Standard Auto Parts and became its sole owner in 1976. He owned the business until his retirement in 1992. Joe and Patricia loved all Minnesota sports and were one of the original Vikings season ticket holders. He was a terrific handyman and loved working on home projects. Joe was a member of the Eagles and Elks Clubs and the VFW.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Patricia; their daughter, Linda; as well as four brothers and five sisters. He is survived by his sister, Catherine Jumbeck of Bay City, WI, 15 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

The Memorial Service for Joe will be celebrated at 11:00AM on Friday, April 25, 2025 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Thursday evening, April 24, 2025 from 5pm until 7pm in the River Park Chapel, along with one hour prior to the service on Friday. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester.

Contributions in Joe’s honor may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Staten Island, NY.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com