Olin Richard Fischer Jr.

Olin Richard “Dick” Fischer Jr., age 82, of Christmas, Florida died Sunday June 11, 2023, at Palm Gardens in Orlando. A son of the late Olin Richard Paul Fischer Sr. and the late Hazel Gray Fischer, he was born in Gotha, Florida June 11, 1941. He was raised among the lakes, woodlands, and citrus groves of Central Florida ten miles west of Orlando, Florida near today’s Disney World. First attending the two-room Gotha Elementary School then attending as a High School Senior St. Paul’s High School (1958-59) and St. Paul’s Junior College (1959-61) in Concordia, Missouri.

The 1960’s were years filled with continued education, the beginning of a teaching career, marriage and family life. After graduating from St. Paul’s College in 1961, he attended and graduated from Concordia Teachers College, River Forest, Illinois in 1963 along with future wife Wanda Geisler. They were married in Brinkley, Arkansas in July 1963 before taking teaching positions at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and School in Arlington Heights, Illinois. After receiving a Master of Arts in public administration from Northern Illinois University (NIU) in 1968. He taught history, economics and government in the Arlington Heights area public schools before returning to NIU in Dekalb, Illinois to work on his doctorate and teach in the political science department.

The 1970’s were an eventful as the 1960’s. Following the doctoral work, he returned to Orlando accepting a teaching position at Valencia Community College (VCC) in 1971. Teaching led to new opportunities in the area of college administration. He worked in the area of Development for the college seeking grants and funds from Federal, State, local government agencies and foundations for programs and new faculties. His responsibilities required travel throughout the United States, especially to Washington DC and Tallahassee. This experience allowed firsthand to observe, study and participate in intergovernmental relations and organizational behavior at all levels of government providing rich antidotes for college level teaching. During this time, he completed a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration and VCC grew from a single campus to four campuses in a two-county area. Students’ enrollment increased from 1500 to 25000 students.

As a college administrator Dick was very active in community affairs in Orlando-Orange County, serving on boards of various civic groups and organizations-chief among these Rotary International. In 1976 he was elected to the Board of County Commissioners for Orange County. During his tenure the board completed the Orange County Convention Center/Civic Center, a Orlando International Airport, the 911 Emergency System, the County Growth Management Plan, a Code of Ethics and laid the foundation for a new Courthouse and charter form of government. These landmark achievements ushered in a new era for Orlando-Orange County.

The 1980’s and 1990’s included an unsuccessful bid for Congress, a return to teaching and family business interests, while continuing to serve on various community boards. There was more time for family and travel. In all his various roles as a teacher, businessman, college administrator, and elected official, none have been more satisfying and rewarding than teaching – touching the lives and futures of hundreds and thousands of students. He retired from teaching after 30 years and wife Wanda retired after 35 years at Windermere Elementary.

Olin was preceded in death by father - Olin R. P. Fischer Sr., mother - Hazel Gray and brothers Robert and Fred. He is survived by wife Wanda Geisler Fischer and two sons Richard and his wife Sandra, Scott and his wife Leigh Anne, five granddaughters Candice, Brittany, Miranda, Lillie, and Jazmine, Stepmother Virginia Fischer, sister Margaret Hornsby, brothers Randy, Alan, Glenn, Ted Malans, sisters Virginia “Ginny” and Phyllis Malans.

A graveside service for Olin will be held Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com for the Fischer family.