Mary Kathleen (Kay) Fischer

Mary Kathleen (Kay) Fischer, 76, passed away on November 27, 2025, at the Mapleton Community Home, after a period of health issues. The staff and loving care for Mary Kay was the right place to be in her later years. She was very happy there and would sometimes call it home.

Mary Kay was born to William (Bun) and Betsy Fischer on November 11, 1949 in Appleton, Minnesota. In 1962, Mary’s family moved to Alexandria, MN, where she immediately connected to a group of friends in 7th grade, of which they have stayed in touch most of their lives.

In high school Mary Kay was on the National Honor Roll for three years. Many nights after supper she walked the four blocks from her house to Carnegie Library to study. She excelled in speech, drama, and French. Later in her mid- thirties she used her French as she spent a summer in France. Mary Kay used her operatic voice as she entered the Miss West Central Minnesota Beauty Pageant, where she was second runner-up. Mary Kay went to state in Declam doing a presentation of Mark Twain’s “ Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras,” cheerleader for football and basketball, and played in the production of “The Sound of Music.

Mary Kay graduated from Mankato State College in 3 ½ years with a triple major in English, Speech and Theatre Arts. While in college she played Mary Poppins in their production. She could sing backwards – supercalifragilisticexpialidotious. Upon graduation she spent two years teaching in Hutchinson, MN. Afterwards she went to Hollywood, California and was involved in movies, theatre, and commercials. She followed up with a job working for the LA Dodger’s at their stadium club for wealthy supporters.

Disillusioned with Hollywood Mary Kay made a commitment and acceptance to Jesus Christ, and was baptized in California. She than did “live” Christian theatre in LA for many years with Pam Norman, wife of popular gospel singer, Larry Norman. Later she bought a ranch in Aspen, Colorado working for the state until the 90’s when she moved back to Alexandria and later to Mapleton. Of all her adventures in life her greatest was her faith in Jesus Christ.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William (Bun) and Betsy Fischer. She is survived by her siblings, Tona and Mike Gillispie, Scott Fischer, Nathania Fischer and 18 nephews and nieces.

A memorial service will be held in the spring in Alexandria. Mankato Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.