JoAnn Fischer

JoAnn Wagner Fischer, born January 1933 in Oklahoma to Vern and Lillie Ann, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family.  JoAnn grew up in Enid, Oklahoma, and graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in journalism in 1955.  She began her career working for the newspaper in Enid.

She met the love of her life, James Robert Fischer, a pilot in the Air Force stationed at Vance Air Force Base, at a church social.  They married quickly in Enid and shared sixty-two wonderful years together.  JoAnn and Jim raised five children and cherished their time with twelve grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.  Their family journey took them to more than twenty places across the United States, from California to Massachusetts, before settling in Danville, Kentucky in their retirement.

During her career, JoAnn worked in journalism and later in education.  She taught English as a second language to students in Chicago, at the University of Michigan, and finally at the University of Akron in Ohio.  Her true passion was helping others and JoAnn was a dedicated Girl Scout leader, a puppy raiser for Leader Dogs for the Blind, and a devoted supplier of snacks for Habitat for Humanity workers, where her husband Jim was actively involved.

JoAnn faithfully served in many churches as a Deacon and Elder.  She organized Sunday School, vacation Bible studies, wrote newsletters, served meals, planned mission trips, and hosted dinners for new church members.  She also helped start and organize “Soups on Us’ with the Presbyterian Church of Danville, preparing and distributing soup and sandwiches to those in need in Boyle County.

JoAnn is resting comfortably with Jim at Camp Nelson National Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be made to Danville Habitat for Humanity or Soup’s on Us.