Francis George Fischer

Frank Fischer hopped on his Honda and rode off into the sunset for the last time on May 18, 2026. He passed away peacefully at Rochester’s Mary Brigh Building, surrounded by his loving family, taking with him 76 years of life experience.

Heaven has gained an angel—one ready to help melt and pour a new set of pearly (or perhaps iron) gates, drawing on 43 years of experience at Dotson’s Foundry, where he retired in 2010.

Frank’s love of farming began in his youth, working alongside his parents, Harold and Margaret (Veroeven) Fischer. He often reflected on those early years with gratitude, never wishing to change a thing about growing up on the farm with his siblings: Rosemary Mathiowetz and brothers Robert, LeRoy, Richard, and Harold. The lessons learned there helped shape the man he became.

He later started a farm of his own just a mile from where he was raised, where he also began building his family. He was preceded in death by his first-born daughter, Paula Fischer Ferguson. He is survived by his daughter Tina Fischer Kahlhamer and his son, Neil Fischer. With all the brains, beauty, and brawn wrapped up in his third-born, there was clearly no need for more children (we’ll let you guess which child is writing this).

In the summer of 1982, Frank met his soulmate, Sandy Funke. They were married on March 5, 1983, and she remains his devoted and loving wife.

Frank continued to grow throughout his life—as a son, brother, father, husband, and grandfather to 11 beautiful grandchildren and great-grandfather to five.

Even after leaving farming, his love for the outdoors never faded. Many weekends found him heading north—always in some version of a Ford—not toward the cities or malls, but toward the lakes and forests of northern Minnesota. That was where Frank was truly himself: just him and Sandy, free from the stresses of everyday life. There was no slow methodical walk to guy being unsafe around the ladles, there wasn’t the “look” when his kids would screw up (usually the girls, that boy of his was pretty darn good), no stress of traffic, no idiots. There, the smiles came easier, the laughs were louder, and the moments were simply his.

Frank believed in growth without changing who he was. He wasn’t one for apologies—he simply chose to do better.

We are honored to have known him as a husband, father, grandfather, mentor, role model, and friend.

We invite you to join us in celebrating Frank’s life. Come share stories, laughter, and love on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Northview–North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato, MN 56003.