John Frederick Fisher

John Frederick Fisher

November 23, 1937 - March 04, 2025

Obituary

CROSS PLAINS - John Frederick Fisher, age 87, of Cross Plains, passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at UW Hospital and Clinics. He was born in Madison on November 23, 1937, the son of Frederick and Emma (Becker) Fisher.


John graduated from Riverside High School in Milwaukee. He met his wife, Lorna Lee Larkin, at the Hill Farms Office Building where they both worked for the DMV. They married on May 20, 1967, at St. John's Catholic Church in La Crosse.


He served in the U.S. Army for three years and then in the Wisconsin National Guard for 30 years. In addition to his military service, John was employed as a driver’s license examiner for the DMV for 30 years, retiring in 1997.


John enjoyed U.S. history, from military, planes, and the Old West, but especially the Milwaukee Road, Soo Line and Chicago Northwestern Railroads, and was involved with many historical societies and groups. He went with Lorna to many conventions where he made a lot of great friendships with fellow enthusiasts and where he could talk for hours.  He was also a charter member of his local Lions Club.


He spent time going to the EAA Oshkosh air shows and various rail excursions around the country, along with Mississippi River and Lake Michigan boat trips. He always made time for his love of popcorn at his favorite popcorn stand, his favorite meal of a hearty breakfast or any of the local bar and grills for a tasty burger.  


John is survived by his wife, Lorna Lee; daughter, Tanya Lynn (Mark) Morrison of Eden Prairie, Minn.; sons, Andrew Fisher and Douglas Fisher; grandson, Ian Morrison; brother, Tom (Barbara) Fisher; and sisters, Mary Ann (Carl) Zehms and Emily (Eric) Strauss. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emma and Frederick; parents-in-law; a brother-in-law; two sisters-in-law; aunts and uncles; a nephew; and cousins in Iowa.


A Memorial Mass will be held at ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2947 Thinnes St., Cross Plains, at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025. A graveside service with military honors will follow at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery. A visitation will be held at the church from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2025, and also from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Friday.
 

Memorials may be made to the American Legion Post 360 in Waunakee Wis., your local Lions Club, or the Chicago Northwestern, Soo Line, or Milwaukee Road Historical Societies. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson Cross Plains
Funeral & Cremation Care
2421 Church St.
(608) 798-3141

Events

There are no events for John yet.
No photos of John have been shared yet.
JZ
jim zahradka
Other •
i came to know John and Lorna at train shows he always had a wealth of info about what was happening in the world of trains. So sorry for your loss Lorna John will be missed
JO
Judy Omata
Other •
We have many wonderful memories of John and all his tales of traveling to see trains and train depots and boat rides on the Mississippi. My husband has great memories working with a John in the Wisconsin National Gerard. Sending thoughts and prayers to his family. RIP John.
LB
Lawrence M Bunce
Other •
I am Larry Bunce. Susie and I have known John through the many railroad clubs of which we are both members. We shall miss his smile and welcoming firm handshakes, greetings. May God guide his path. And we shall reunite in the future. RIP, Larry Bunce
DG
Dana Grefe
Other •
John was a great guy whom I knew from being on the CNWHS board of directors. We usually had similar thoughts while on the board. We would often visit at the meets about various subjects but never solved any of the worlds problems. His wife, Lorna always accompanied him and we had a great time. Rest in peace my friend.
LR
Lynn Rasmussen
Other •
I served with John in the Wisconsin National Guard. He was very knowledgeable.
TF
The Graedel families
Other •
Our sincere Condolences during this difficult time. Lorna and Tanya, Andy and Doug, now share the special memories of your dear husband, dad, and grandpa. Rest in peace John. With love from the Graedel family.

Share memorial