Carl Fischer

He was born on April 19, 1939, in Springfield, Illinois, the son of Elmer and Faye Fischer, who preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death is his daughter, Michelle Irene Fischer; sister, Lois Burton; brother-in-law, Dr. James Burton; and his first spouse, Donna Armstead Fischer.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Glynda Kay Fischer; four of his children, Karen (Tom) Prange, Annette (Kerry) Snyder, Susan (Bill) Robinson, and Jeff (Trish) Foley; nine grandchildren, Kyle (Heather) Snyder, Becka and Jake Snyder, Maxwell and Sarah Prange, Grace and Emma Robinson, and Brandi and James Foley; two great grandchildren, Isaac and Sawyer Snyder.

Carl grew up in the north end of Springfield. He attended St. Joseph grade school and graduated from Cathedral Boys High School in 1957. He received a Bachelor of Architecture Degree from Washington University in St. Louis in 1962. Upon graduation from Wash U, he joined the United States Navy and was admitted to Officers Candidate School.

In 1963, he was commissioned Ensign in the U.S. Navy. After completing Surface Operations School in the Navy, he was assigned to the ship USS Brister, DER 327 as Operations Officer and was stationed in Guam where his first child was born. After completing a tour of duty in Vietnam, he returned to Glenco, Georgia as Surface Operations Instructor and continued to grow his family. He achieved the rank of Lt. Commander prior to resigning his commission in 1973.

After his return to Springfield, he was employed by Ferry & Henderson Architects and subsequently by Graham, O’Shea, and Wisnosky Architects. In 1976, he and his wife, Kay, established Carl Fischer Associates Architects working from their home on South Walnut Street in Springfield. With a combined family of five children, Carl and Kay partnered to run a business and raise a family.

In 1980, after moving their offices to the Alzina Building, August Wisnosky joined the firm. The name was changed to Fischer-Wisnosky Architects and subsequently became known as FWAI Architects.

Carl has left his mark in and around Springfield, as well as projects throughout the United States and in several foreign countries. He received several awards for excellence in

design from the American Institute of Architects. He was most proud of his award for the design and restoration of Ronald Reagan’s Boyhood Home in Dixon, Illinois.

He was a member of the American Institute of Architects, National Council of Architectural Registration Board, the Sangamo Club, and Island Bay Yacht Club. He served on the Architectural Board at Southern Illinois University and the Board of Menard County, Illinois, plus numerous civic organizations.

Carl and Kay raced sailboats for many years at Island Bay Yacht Club and throughout the Midwest. In 1982, they retired from racing and began spending time on their 38-foot live-aboard boat, Kathryn, which they kept at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. They would spend several weeks every summer sailing throughout Lake Michigan and the North Channel in Ontario, Canada.

Carl also earned his pilot license and loved flying his Beechcraft Bonanza airplane for personal and business. A common treat for his grandchildren was to get to “fly with Papa.”.

While Carl was extremely accomplished, his love for his family filled his heart. As Carl got older and his family of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren grew, he found great joy in spending time with them, always the teacher as he shared his passion for sailing and woodwork. Whether it was gathering around the pool, celebrating holidays and birthdays, traveling, or just being together, Carl loved his family and their time together.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 South Sixth St, Springfield.

Funeral Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 31, 2022, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield with Rev. Meredith Manning Brown officiating. Burial will follow at Fancy Creek Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wooden it Be Lovely, 501 South Douglas Avenue, Springfield, IL 62704 or Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, 1200 West Washington, Springfield, IL 62702.