He was the second child born to Ted Fischer and Gertrude Losleben Fischer on April 2, 1939, in Visalia, California. He attended grade school at George McCann Memorial Catholic School and was a member of the first graduating class of Redwood High School in 1957. He then attended Fresno State College on a baseball scholarship graduating in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing. That same year he went to work for Standard Oil of California starting in the mail room. He quickly advanced to a Public Relations position and then worked as an Area Salesman. In 1965, he became an independent businessman as a commissioned agent for Standard Oil. In 1971, Joe became a wholesale fuel jobber. That same year he started farming as a hobby which was the culmination of a long held dream. The saying, “You can take the boy away from the farm, but you can’t take the farm away from the boy” was true in his life.
Joe has had many life-long passions: gardening, deep-sea fishing and sports, especially baseball. He was a member of the 1953 Visalia Little Bigger League All-Star team that went to the World Series in Trenton, N.J. taking 3rd place. In 1954, he was a member of the Visalia Babe Ruth All-Star team again going to the World Series held in Washington D.C. where the team met Mrs. Babe Ruth. Again as a member of the Fresno State baseball team, he was privileged to be a part of the 1959 team that went to the College World Series and also the 1961 team. Joe was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church all his life, participating in various ministries there. He was a member of various organizations and Boards during his life. He was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, Visalia Jr. Chamber of Commerce, Woodlake Rotary Club, Visalia Quarterback Club among others. He was a member of the Board of Directors for Foodlink of Tulare Co. He also served on the board of Corona College Heights Packing Corp., and was a former member of the California Kiwi Fruit Association. Joe has served as a mentor for the Lyles Entrepreneurial Program, a part of the Craig School of Business at California State University at Fresno. Joe also served as Co-Chairman of the Measure “R” tax initiative for our Tulare Co. Roads.
He was preceded in death by his sisters, Mary Margaret Fischer Cain and Doris Fischer Micheli. He is survived by his brothers, Paul, Steve and Don Fischer and sister, Helen Fischer Jones. Joe is survived by his wife of 52 years, Joan, his son Joe Fischer Jr. and his wife, Aurora, daughter, Kathy Fischer, and daughter Karen and husband John Yohannes. He also leaves behind grandchildren, Ashley and husband Sascha, Sarah Fischer, Amy and husband, Michael, Zach Yohannes and Eileen Yohannes, and 4 great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He leaves behind his loyal dogs.
Joe possessed that unique, wonderful combination of unwavering optimism and dedication to an intense work ethic. He was never daunted by life’s challenges, growing and changing through each unexpected circumstance. He lovingly cared for his family and friends with genuine love and loyalty. His motto would be “never, ever give up.”
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Visalia. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any donation in Joe’s honor to The Bethlehem Center, 1638 North Dinuba Blvd., Visalia, CA, 93291, or to Food Link of Tulare Co., P.O. Box 1544, Visalia, CA, 93279.
Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Avenue, Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8371
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