Elroy Anton Fischer

4, at 12:05 AM. We hope you will be able to join us as we honor and

remember Elroy. He is survived by his daughter, Tess Heidrich of Rancho San

Diego, his son Martin Fischer of Chula Vista, his brother Wally Fischer of San

Diego, his sisters Elaine Holmes and MaryAnn Kjornes-Treichel both of West

Bend, Wisconsin, and Marcella Schraufnagel of Mayville, Wisconsin. His wife

Patty and son Dennis, his brother Reuben, and sister Adeline predeceased him.

A Celebration service will be held at Funeraria del Angel Humphrey

(Humphries) at 2PM on Wednesday, December 11. We hope you attend.

The address is 753 Broadway, Chula Vista, CA 91910 and the phone is

619-425-9111. Please access the following link for service details.

www.humphreymortuary.com

Elroy F!cher

Elroy was born in Mayville, Wisconsin on Sunday,November 18, 1928, the

youngest of Walter and Alvina's 7 children. Elroy was known in the family as

'Sonny' because he was the youngest. He grew up on the family farm in

Mayville with Reuben and Wally (his brothers) and Elaine, MaryAnn, Adeline

and Marcella (his sisters). I have heard many stories from him about the snow,

the outhouse, hard work, etc all about his life in those days.

The Fischers were a good German family, and belonged to the Lutheran

Church; Elroy, in his turn, was confirmed into the Lutheran Church in 1941 or

1942. See his confirmation picture.

Elroy played football in high school, much to the disapproval of his dad and

the successful maneuvering by the family matriarch, Alvina. He also loved

fishing, hunting, trapping, and swimming. See the picture of him in a bathing

suit showing off his physique.

Elroy graduated from Mayville High School in June of 1946 and joined the

Navy on January 17, 1947. He graduated from the United States Navy Training

Center in Great Lakes Illinois ("A" School) on April 8, 1947 as an Engineman

2nd Class headed for the U.S.S. Diodon (SS349). While at Great Lakes, Elroy

served proudly in the Great Lakes Choir, and always loved to sing hymns and

military and Navy music.

Elroy graduated from U.S Naval Submarine School, in New London,

Connecticut on December 8, 1947. The U.S.S. Diodon ( commissioned in

1946) was a diesel powered Balao Class Submarine--converted to Guppy

Class in 1947-- was Elroy's assignment after graduating from Sub school out of

New London, Connecticut. See pictures of him with his fellow classmates.

After joining the Navy, on his trips back home to Wisconsin, Elroy liked to ride

his Harley 'hog', and I remember taking rides on it. I never did get a bike

myself (other than the pedal kind) but I did get a convertible, he taught me to

love the wind in my hair. Jimmy and Maxine Byrd were friends and they too

loved to ride bikes. I believe Jerry Fischer (Ruben's son) mentioned that he

used to love those bikes, and I know MaryAnn's son Glen (and maybe Ralph

too) also loved to ride bikes.

Elroy stayed with the Diodon for most of his naval service, earning the Korean

Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal. He always said that his

ship had accomplished secret missions somewhere near Alaska, but would

never divulge what the mission was, even after he turned 80. His brothers

Reuben and Wally were also in the service (during WWII). If you get a chance

to speak with Wally ask him to tell you about his story of survival and about

Reuben's experiences--both very interesting.

Tess's memories: (Elroy's daughter)

Dad met my mom (Patty) around 1952, and not too long later, on February 10,

1953 was discharged from the Navy after about 6 years. 1953 was a good year

because he married my mom on June 17, 1953. He lived in Chula Vista ever

since (60 years). See the many pictures of Elroy and Patty over the years.

He joined the Navy Reserves September 8 later that year in 1953.

My brother Marty was born August 1, 1954 followed up the next year by

Dennis--born on September 27, 1955,

Dad started at Rohr in Chula Vista on April 5, 1955. Between 1953 and 1955 he

did various things such as working at Rohde Kapelle in Mayville and Yellow Cab

in San Diego. While at Yellow Cab, he became a member of the Teamster

Union.

When he started at Rohr, he was selected for an 18 month training program to

be a machinist. He must have done well, because he graduated from the

program November 1, 1956. Altogether he worked at Rohr for nearly 36 years,

retiring as of January 1, 1991. See the pictures of Dad and other machinists.

He liked to fish and travel around via RV. We took many vacations to Yosemite,

and others to Yellowstone, and of course many driving trips back to Wisconsin.

I learned some pretty colorful language on those trips, mostly due to the

terrible driving of other drivers and the irritating behavior of 3 kids in the back

seat. Remember the car air conditioner that was hooked to the passenger

window and blew in air cooled by ice? Fun times. I did get to see the

Wisconsin Dells, Old Faithful, Half Dome, the Giant Redwoods, the deserts,

Texas (cotton fields on the side of the road, and 'Texas sized steaks'--not to

mention lots of large roadkill) on our many road--camping trips. Needless to

say, my idea of roughing it today, is 'no room service'--I think I did my time, but

my daughter Brandi caught the bug and loves to camp.

My dad wasn't particularly religious, but he took me to church and was happy

when Marty, Denny and I were confirmed. He was a tough guy, but he was

there when you needed him, like the time when my VW blew up in Capistrano--

he drove all the way up there to come and get me, took me home and then

back again when the repairs were made, not to mention that he paid for the

repairs as well.

When my mom had her strokes, it was transformative for my dad. He became

dedicated to taking care of her until she passed away August 18, 1985. He was

attentive and loving with her, and missed her greatly when she was gone.

While my dad was never liked going out and being 'social', after my mom

passed away, he sat outside the garage in a lawn chair and talked to the many

neighbors walking by with their pets.

After my mom's passing, Elroy still liked to travel. In his RV and by train. Ask

Wally about their train trip together to Wisconsin. He took RV trips as long as

he was able. He found a dog named 'Girl' who became his constant

companion, and while he rescued her, she pretty much rescued him too. He

loved and took care of her. Girl took care of him too, keeping him active as

long as she was alive. I run into people who remember seeing him sitting

outside with Girl chatting with people who just walked by.

He attended events for his great-grandchildren Wysteria and Violet who lived

nearby and visited often. 'Great Grandfather' was too big a mouthful for the

girls so they called him "G-Pa" or Grandpa." He usually had a smile for them

and bought them many treats over the years.

He will be greatly missed here, but are content to know that he has been

reunited with the loved ones who have gone before him like his parents,

siblings, and the love of his life, Patty.

Brandi's memories: (Elroy's granddaughter, Tess's daughter)

Some may think of my Grandpa as grumpy but I got to see another side of him

before Alzheimer’s took it away. He was a loving teddy bear who loved

watching Apollo spin in the chair, watching Gene Autry movies with me and

visiting with his granddaughters and all of their friends.

He had a sweet tooth worse than mine and would hunt down any treats I had

stashed in the house. We celebrated birthdays with him bringing dinner and

cake. He would always eat the piece I left him for later as soon as we got in the

car. Despite his love for cookies, he would always share his cookies with his

granddaughters and Apollo.

He looked forward to Hazel the dog walking by the house and got a kick out of

the puppies at PetCo. He loved to tell us about his family growing up, his

motorcycle adventures, the submarine life, and how grandma would make him

candle lit, lobster dinners for him after the late shift.

I will miss my Grandpa very much, but I am glad that his is finally back with the

love of his life.

Jerry's memories: (Elroy's nephew, Reuben's son and Pat's brother)

Tess, I've got lots stories about your Dad. Sonny was favorite uncle. He was a

patient man and taught me how to trap and definitely got me interested in

motorcycles. As a kid I remember he stored his Harley in our barn and I always

admired it. He told me when he drove his Harley across the desert he would

do at night because that was the coolest time of the day. He also had to coat

his face with petroleum jelly to keep it from drying and cracking. I never drove

the desert, but I drove my Harley to college and I frequently drove it in cold

weather and I had to wear a snowmobile suit to stay warm. I will miss Sonny

and every time I ride my bike I will think of him.

I'm glad for all the times he came to visit me. He came to northern Wis. and I

took him on the Wisconsin River and we caught some northern pike. He also

came to Montana several times. Once he even joined me on a duck hunt and it

reminded him when he was a kid in Wis. I truly enjoyed all the times I got to

spend with him. Rita, my wife, and I will miss him.

MaryAnn's memories: (Elroy's sister)

I believe my favorite story with my brother Elroy was the year that I flew to

California for a week-long visit with Wally & Jeanne Fischer, and Elroy -- after

your mother passed away. Elroy's cooking was very tasty; and he took me on

an entire day of sight seeing many miles north of Chula Vista. The stops we

made, I cannot remember, but they were excellent and also educational. The

BEST Tacos I ever ate were the ones that your mother made!!

Stories told to Jenni, Elroy's granddaughter:

Patty’s mother’s mother, known as 'Granner' travelled West in a covered

wagon. She hit the copper mines in Arizona and worked in a restaurant near

those the copper mines. She ended up in California after that.

Granner lived in National City and took care of old[er] folks. She lived

where the cowboys used to ride and circle in bonita.

Granner owned land (in Bonita?) but real estate people stole that land

from her. She couldn’t explain it how it happened, but they ended up with that

property where the freeway is now.

Grandma Patty’s dad bought Patty a retired race horse, which she had

over on E street. She lived there for a few years, then moved to a home on Del

Mar in Chula Vista where she had 2 or 3 horses over along side the house. Her

dad also had a little work horse. She used to ride that horse to her friend

Helene's house on F street, she used to tie her horse up to the tree and go to

school. F street school. Used to be a school, now a library, P.S. Tess went to

that grammar school.

Grandma’s father’s name was Shattuck.

During WWI, they used to make gunpowder down there, that’s why it’s

called gunpowder point (I think that is the foot of "D" street right by the bay,

now the Chula Vista Nature Center is there. Patty's dad also designed a

floating bridge almost built by the Navy. The Navy or National Guard took over

the property because there was a tall [silo? like] structure there which they used

as an enemy lookout).

The house on Second avenue (he lived in for nearly 40 years) from San

Diego. That tag out there says ’64.

Elroy said Marcella and the family lived in the last house in the city

limits. (That would be Mayville, Wisconsin?) He said his daddy was a small

farmer and a railroad engineer. His daddy grew up where they used white

limestone that they used to build a nearby school. His great grandfather built it

[the school].

Elroy tells, "We used to pick potatoes and daddy taught me how to run

the big tractor. We hooked the trailer on it, throw manure on it, take it out in

the field and spread the manure by hand with the pitchfork. We helped as

much as we could cuz daddy put in a lot of hours. He took the boys on the

diesel engine.

"Maryann is a real good talker. Sends a lot of pictures and stuff like that.

She’s involved in many things. Elaine is real good too. She was married to

Frank Holmes. They were sort of relatives of a president, I forget which one.

Maybe Mallard? [That would be Millard Fillmore]

"Mayor Kohl of Madison, WI took it upon himself and took fresh milk

over to islands, Guadalcanal and places like that for the marines, because they

were having trouble getting milk and drinks over there for ‘em.

"Christmas we got two pairs of socks for Christmas and mittens and

leather boots called jacks with a knife case on ‘em.

"I can’t show happiness. I been serious all my life. Spent all that time on

the farm, and 7 years underwater in the navy, submarine.

"Elaine took off 2 years of school to take care of me when I was little.

She worked for Frank Holmes and when it was prom time, he picked her as his

prom queen. He was an engineer. He went to UW.

"Patty’s mom lived in our house most of the time, then they lived on El

Cajon blvd then you turn left and out there. Her mom was sick all the time, she

had something and they drained a lot of water out. They were always taking

her to the hospital to take the water out of her. One of Patty’s fathers, I think,

Mick, left.

"I Canned peas and corn before I joined the Navy. Used to run the

labeling machine. What type peas they were, corn, size, weight.

"Double barrel pop gun with corks and Marcella would scare out the

rabbits with a willow stick or something like that.

"Patty’s folks owned a gambling boat out there with dancing girls. (They

had a type of tug boat that hauled garbage off Navy vessels in the San Diego

Bay. 'Dancing girls'???)

"Patty had some real nice rings 4 of ‘em. (All of them have been stolen)

Pat's Memories: (Elroy's niece, Reuben's daughter andJerry's sister)

I've been trying to think of any specific stories involving your dad. There are so

many memories of doing things with your family in the summer when we

would come to California or you would come to Wisconsin. There were so

many Little League games we went to watch as your brothers played, the times

at the beach swimming, touring all around San Diego & just hanging out at

each house laughing about all the different crazy things we did as kids.

Remember when your brothers & parents drove to Wisconsin, but you couldn't

come? I think you had to work. You ended up flying in & surprised them by

standing there when they walked in our door! Thought your mom was going

to have a heart attack & hang you! We all got together one summer when

Jerry & his family met us in California. That unfortunately was after your mom

had already passed away. Our girls talk often about the last time we flew out to

California to visit & your dad took us to Coronado Hotel for Sunday brunch.

There was sooooooo much food. Then we spent the rest of the day touring

around San Diego, LaJolla, Balboa Park & wherever else he could show us. Lots

to see. We had a great time just talking about things kids do & had some

good laughs. We always stayed at his house when we were kids vacationing.

By the way, how's Marty? Haven't seen or even heard where he lives in years.

Other interesting facts about Elroy:

Elroy's Dad, Walter, bought the Mayville house they grew up in in 1923. Many

years later, Walter built a house for his diminutive bride, Alvina--I've never seen

a sink so low. See the picture of his family home in Mayville.

In 1946 he made $8.55 at the Sports Bowl in Mayville Wisconsin. (An early

version of "McDonald's"?)

In 1946 he made $490 in the Mayville Canning company. Big bucks for the day.

1949 he made $2004 (for the year!), and he was paid from the U.S.S. Nereus. I

think the pay is a little more today

Dennis L., his son was born September 27, 1955. He died December 13, 2003--

almost exactly 10 years ago.

Martin E., his son, was born August 1, 1954.

My mother, Patty, was born March 23, 1930. She died August 18, 1985.

Elroy started at Rohr in Chula Vista on April 5, 1955. Between 1953 and 1955

he did various things such as working at Rohde Kapelle in Mayville and Yellow

Cab in San Diego. While at Yellow Cab, he became a member of the Teamster

Union.

Discharged from the Reserves on February 10, 1057.

I would like to acknowledge those who contributed their memories and helped

me through this time with their support:

My daughters, Jenni and Brandi

Brandi's daughters Violet and Wysteria

Jerry Fischer, Elroy's nephew and his sister Pat

MaryAnn Fischer Kjornes-Triechel

Wally and Jeanne Fischer

Jennifer and Steve Blough (Wally's daughter)

Mary Wilson and Norm Doss

Lori Henderson

April Moranville

Elroy's friend, Sharon

Elroy's neighbor, Arnold

And of course any friends and family I may have forgotten in my muddled state

(please forgive me!)

Please access the following link for service details and directions, and to sign

the Guest Book: www.humphreymortuary.com

Every birthday Elroy would remind us with a chuckle that Mickey Mouse was born on his birthday.