John Andrew Fischer, 70, of Key West passed away Friday November 24, 2023 at Unity Point Health Finley Hospital, proudly with his beard on his face.

Visitation will be from 9 am until 10:30 Saturday December 2, 2023, at the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory 2595 Rockdale Road with a service to follow at 10:30.

John was born on April 16, 1953, in Dubuque, the son of Louis A. and Elizabeth (Leicht) Fischer Jr. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and worked for Superior Welding Supply for 42 years. He married Celeste Stoffel on July 23, 1983, at Eagle Point Park and they shared 40 mostly happy years together, making their home in Key West, where they raised their daughter Emily.

Although John’s life was full of countless happy scenes, he courageously bore the burden of always being right. He shouldered this task honorably and with commendable patience. Among John’s happiest times were duck hunting in his younger years with his trusted black Labradors Waylon, Willie, and Cash. He also enjoyed the turtle races in Haward, WI, his yearly canoe trips, and camping at Swiss Valley, along with making homemade sauerkraut and head cheese. He could often be found doing yard work, gardening, and other miscellaneous activities in his assorted collection of Speedos. He also enjoyed crowning himself a daily at home Jeopardy Champion as well as sharing his many “Fischerisms” with anyone who would listen.

He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years Cess, his daughter Emily (Dan) Kearney, three grandchildren Joseph, Vivian, and Samuel Kearney, his mother-in-law Rose Stoffel, siblings Lynn (Bob) Miller, Caroline (Tim) Kieler, and Mark (Leslie) Fischer, a sister-in-law Teresa Fischer, and brothers and sisters-in-law Andy (Karen) Stoffel, Denny (Laurie) Stoffel, Mark (Robin) Stoffel, Tim Stoffel, and Tina Sweetland along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by John Lennon and George Harrison along with his parents Bud and Bette, his father-in-law Irvin Stoffel, brother Louie Fischer III, and a brother-in-law Lenny Stoffel.

In lieu of flowers a John A. Fischer memorial fund has been established.

The family expresses their sincere gratitude to Key West Fire and EMS, to Dr. Mark Hermann, Tony Heiar and all Oncology staff along with the staff at the Wendt Regional Cancer Center.