Philip Fisher
December 20, 1921 - July 06, 2020
Obituary
MIDDLETON – Philip Fisher, age 98, died peacefully next to his wife of 40 years on Monday, July 6, 2020. He was born Dec. 20, 1921 in Chicago to Katrinka and Leo Fisher. He left the University of Iowa to serve in the Army Air Corps during World War II in the Pacific Theater. After the war he finished his degree at the University of Wisconsin. Two of Phil’s passions were the radio business and golf, both of which he pursued well into his 90s.
Phil made a huge impact as a sales leader, coach and trainer of many in the broadcasting industry, being described by his proteges as a “true friend, mentor and the ultimate professional.” His focus was on genuinely caring about people, wanting and helping them to succeed. Phil’s major theme in sales training: “what is the customer’s problem and come up with a creative solution.” He mixed intensity with a sense of humor, set high standards and strove “to help other people help themselves.” Phil was proud of being an integral part of building Mid-West Family Broadcasting to 55 stations and helping develop so many accomplished sales and marketing professionals, station managers and broadcasting executives over a 50+ year career. He was honored by the Wisconsin Broadcasting Association by being inducted to the WBA Hall of Fame in 2004.
Philip is survived by his beloved wife, Janice Jorgenson Fisher; children, Debby (Hart) DeNoble of Madison, Scott (Laura) Fisher of Richmond, Va. and Todd Fisher of Los Angeles; and many grand and great-grandchildren. Phil is also survived by his older brother, Robert Fisher of San Francisco; and sister-in-law, Marilyn Jorgenson Montemayor and her family of Sheboygan, Wis. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lynn Mulhall; and son, Timothy.
Philip was much loved by his wife, family and friends. He was a truly unique person that many felt privileged to know. COVID-19 dictates a celebration of life at some future date.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be gifted to United Way of Dane County Foundation, Inc. c/o Mid-West Family Fund, P.O. Box 7548, Madison, WI 53707. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761
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Memories
BS
Bob Sorrentino
Other •
Dear Jan and Family,
We will always remember Phil with love and joy. He was the most positive and encouraging person we can ever imagine. We will miss his smile and remember the good times we shared.
Love,
Bob and Carol Sorrentino
TK
Tom Koser
Other •
My deepest sympathies to Jan & the entire Fisher family on the passing of Phil. What an amazing life he led for those 98 years! I am so grateful that Phil took a chance on a 22 year old 'hotshot' out of college with no sales experience and was willing to teach, train, mentor and befriend me. Without his guidance and confidence in me, I would never be anywhere close to where I am today. So much of what Phil taught me that very first week in 1981 I use to this day with my clients and my people at Koser Radio Group. I only have the greatest of happy memories of Phil and am proud to say that I too am a 'Fisher Disciple'!! May God Bless the memory of Phil Fisher!!
Tom Koser
DG
Dale Ganske
Other •
Philip was a unique "one of a kind.! They didn't break the mold for Phil, he made the mold! He expected much, but gave much. My first sales management job and my initial hiring was by Phil and Bill Walker.
Best to Jan, the best wife Philip could have ever had and sympathies to all in the family!
JD
Joanne Verardi Dougherty
Other •
He took me under his wing and told me to loosen my golf grip. Each time I saw him at Club Pelican Bay he’d smile and remind me I’d get 20 more yards with loose fingers. I liked him very much.