Fredrick W. Fischer, 73, Mercer, died peacefully in his home on June 25th, 2012.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday July 2nd, 2012 at the Mercer Community Center with Pastor Randy Emgarten officiating. Burial will follow in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, rural Mercer. Visitation will be held from 4:30 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Sunday at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Mercer. A family service will be held at 7:00 P.M.

Fred was born on April 20th, 1939 in Turtle Lake, ND. He was the first of five children born to Emil and Emma (Bauer) Fischer. Fred was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church, rural Mercer, and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church, Turtle Lake. Fred attended Koenig country school near Mercer until 1950. In 1950, the family left the farm and moved to Turtle Lake, and Fred continued his education at Turtle Lake High School. While in high school, he was active in Band, F.F.A., Boy Scouts, and also attended Boys State. Fred also worked alongside his father at John Deere, Turtle Lake. He graduated in 1957 as Salutatorian of his class. After graduation, Fred moved back to the family farmstead southwest of Mercer. He continued to farm until 1967, when he took on a second job working the winter months in Bismarck as a carpenter for Strand Construction. He continued working construction until 1969 at which time he decided to farm full-time.

Fred married the love of his life, Rose Marie Prelozny on June 5th, 1971 in Dickinson ND. Fred and Rose made their home south of Mercer where they farmed until their retirement in 2010. Together they raised two children, Matthew and Sarah.

Fred was active on the Turtle Lake Farmers Union Board, served as Treasurer for the Mercer Township for many years, and was on the Turtle Lake-Mercer School Board for 12 years, serving as Board President for 5 years. His hobbies included anything farm- related, visiting with neighbors and friends, listening to "Happy Hour" on Sundays, and spending time with his 4 grandchildren. Fred was also an avid reader and enjoyed reading farm magazines, newspapers, and books of any kind.

Fred is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Rosie Fischer of Mercer; one son, Matthew (Becky) Fischer of Bismarck ND; one daughter, Sarah (Shane) Underdahl of West Fargo ND; four grandchildren, Morgen and Emma Fischer and Brodie and Emily Underdahl; three sisters; Donna McClintock, Sparta MO, Darlene (Kenny) Lasher, McClusky ND, and Doris Wall, Mercer ND; one brother, Melvin (Karen) Fischer, Bismarck ND; one brother-in-law, Peter (Linda) Prelozny, Timber Lake NC; and 11 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents (Emil and Emma), two brothers-in-law (Richard McClintock and Wade Wall), and his father & mother in-law (Joseph & Christina Prelozny).