Alfa Arthur Thomas Phillip Fisher Jr. 1925 - 2013

FISHER, GAINOR, MASON

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 7/2/2013 at 14:26:44

Sioux City Journal
16 June 2013

SIOUX CITY | Alfa Arthur Thomas Phillip Fisher Jr., 87, of Sioux City passed away on Thursday, June 13, 2013, surrounded by his loving family.

Services will be 1 p.m. Monday at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church, 149 Bison Trail, Dakota Dunes, S.D. Interment will follow the service in Graceland Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m., and a celebration of life service at 7 p.m., at Nelson Berger Northside Chapel, 822 Jennings Street in Sioux City.

Alfie Jr. was born to Alfa Fisher Sr. and Amy (Gainor) Fisher on June 24, 1925, in San Antonio, Texas. His family moved to Sioux City in 1931. He was a lifelong resident of Sioux City, graduating from Central High School 1943. Al began boxing when he was 8 years old and coached Golden Gloves boxing while still in high school.

Al joined the service in 1943. He was a Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving in the Pacific Theater World War II as a navigator. After the service, he was employed in various jobs and working as salesman for Sioux City Iron Company beginning June 8, 1953 until his retirement last year.

Al was raised Catholic and joined the Lutheran church in 1964. He studied the Bethel Bible Series and was an instructor for Bethel Bible. He recently transferred his membership to Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Dakota Dunes.

Al Fisher married Donnabelle Gene (Mason) Fisher on Oct. 23, 1948. They had six children, Linda Fisher Dickson of Phoenix Ariz., Steven (Leanne) of Ponca, Neb., Marilyn (Doug) Dirks of Sergeant Bluff, Shirley Fisher Nelson of Costa Mesa, Calif., John Fisher of Sioux City, and Julie Fisher Grijalva of Dakota Dunes; 13 grandchildren, Thomas Dickson, Katrina (Lyle) Howard, Rebecca (Howard Benn) Goff, Matthew (Amber) Fisher, Alana (Kyle) Walker, Emily Fisher, Peder (Faith) Fisher, Sara Fisher, Clairissa (Dennis) Langley, Kristopher (Griselda) Nelson, Molly Nelson, Talon Grijalva and Francesca Grijalva; nine great-grandchildren, Michelle Howard, Heather Howard, Howard Brandon Goff, Simon Peder Fisher, Natasha Heath, Hope Schweiger, Kaden Walker, Alexis Walker and Kristian Nelson. He is also survived by his sister Georgetta (Norman) Hoopingarner of Sioux City; and sister-in-law, Joanne Fisher Montana.

Dad enjoyed most being with his family, watching and listening to Hawkeye games, aviation, learning and sharing. He had a great love for cars and auto racing events which were very entertaining to him. He entertained us all with his stories and recollections. Dad enjoyed listening to Sam Clovis and Rush Limbaugh. Al obtained his conceal carry permit at the age of 85 and was a proud defender of our 2nd Amendment rights. Al loved life and learning. He will be fondly remembered as a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and "Papa Fish" to his family and many others.

He was preceded in death by wife of 51 years, Donnabelle Gene Fisher; brother, Edwin Fisher; and grandson, Steven Paul Fisher.

Pallbearers will be nephews, Jerry Fisher, Normie Hoopingarner, Jeff Hoopingarner, Tom Hoopingarner, grandson, Talon Grijalva and son, John Fisher. Honorary pallbearers will be nephews, Eddie Fisher, David Fisher, his great-grandchildren and Noah Schultz.

Our family would like to extend our thanks to the many health care providers for helping him to live with a high quality of life. Special thanks to Hospice of Siouxland for helping us to care for dad in his final days on earth.