Michael Lawrence Fischer

MADISON - Michael Lawrence Fischer was born on Dec. 8, 1948. He was the firstborn, and dearly loved son of Emily (nee Cvecko) and Frank Fischer. After a spring and summer of family gatherings and adventures this year, Michael said a final goodbye on Sunday, Aug.18, 2024, with his loving family at his side. We are forever grateful to our family, friends, neighbors and the healthcare people who supported and loved us since Michael’s diagnosis of dementia several years ago. Incredibly, Michael never lost his memories of loved ones, his life experiences nor his joy of being with family and friends. We have been blessed to bask in the joy of a good life and deep, reflective conversations about our great fortune of loving friends and family.

Michael was a child of the ‘50s. He was a brilliant student with great curiosity and aptitude. He adored his sports teams. He loved playing basketball and talked fondly of practicing for hours on end as he felt he didn’t have the natural talent, but the drive. He frequently went to see the Milwaukee Braves, gathering player autographs and loved completing score cards. He channeled that love for sports watching his sons participate in various teams and joining fantasy football/baseball leagues. He loved hosting Super Bowl parties with his fellow sports enthusiasts. He was a faithful fan of the Brewers, Packers and Bucks.

Michael was a quiet but rebellious hippie guy who believed in ‘making love, not war.’ He refused to participate in the Vietnam War, choosing instead to join in the forces of social justice. He became a public-school teacher. He wanted to give children a place where they were loved and encouraged in the classroom.  And he did just that - teaching in Milwaukee Public Schools and Madison Public Schools. Michael knew that his students - from second grade to senior citizens all thrived when learning was authentic and challenging with plenty of room for practice and experimentation. He worked at UW-Milwaukee mentoring beginning elementary teachers and started his business, TechnoCrayons, to teach computer/art skills. Michael taught technology skills through the College for Kids programs and Summer /Saturday Enrichment programs with UW-Madison. For many years, he taught hesitant senior citizens how to navigate technology, encouraging them to be bold and not be afraid to fail. He was our technology go-to guy. And so much more.

Michael’s art was photography. He loved the freedom and challenge of the darkroom. He and his dearest friend, Milt, shared heart and soul pouring over their photos. Our home is full of the reminders of his skill and eye for natural beauty. In addition to photography, Michael had a large wood-working studio. His touch and care for our home can be seen in every room. Many of our home furnishings were crafted by Michael. He is everywhere.

Michael was a gardener and plant lover - though he always deferred to me (wife, Anne) to understand trees. His friends, Therese and Sue, could talk forever about plants and they often shared seeds to plant. Michael was a chef- extraordinaire, taking great joy in cooking for others. He poured over cookbooks and enjoyed long talks with the butcher to hone this craft. During these epic meals, he loved sharing his newest “music playlist.”  When he could no longer cook meals, our sons, family members and good friends, Lee and Lauri, lavished us with wonderful meals and the comfort of time together.

Michael’s passion was his family. He said he experienced love at first sight when he met Anne Feierstein in 1980. We were both special education teachers at Riley School, a Milwaukee Public School. I still have the note that an observant student slipped under his classroom door. “Mrs. Feierstein and Mr. Fischer are lovers.” They knew. We were married on June 27, 1982. It was a simple wedding that allowed us to save our money for a six-week trip in Europe afterwards. Michael was a wise planner.

After many wonderful travels and adventures, we welcomed our first son, Nicolas, in 1985. Nic and his dad share the special bond of being stay-at-home dads while also pursuing art, carpentry and fine cooking. Charlie was born nearly two years later and was always on the move. Michael wondered how his heart could love another child as much as he loved Nic. Then, he found out how easy it was. Charlie and his dad shared a great love of sports and sports statistics. Michael loved watching Charlie play on various sports teams. They enjoyed countless hours watching their favorite teams compete. Our youngest son, Sam, has brought the joy of live music to our home. Michael has been so proud of the tenacious, creative, hardworking drive of his musician son, Sam. He never tired of hearing Sam sing and play. It was a special gift to Michael that Sam performed at Michael’s 70th birthday party.

Michael’s close relationships with his sons, Nic, Charlie and Sam was always a source of pride and comfort to him. When his health faltered, each son found ways to hold up their father to give him the very best life. Our boys made sure we could weather this twist in life. We often marveled at their big hearts. Nic’s wife, Alison, has been the most loving, caring, thoughtful daughter-in-law imaginable.  Being a grandpa to Annie and Mira gave Michael tremendous joy. They never failed to elicit a smile and adoration from Grandpa Michael. No matter how difficult a day, how thick the confusion of the moment, the mention of Annie and Mira brought a smile and calm. We were fortunate to spend so much time together these past seven years since granddaughters, Annie and Mira, were born.

Being a wife to a man with so much intellectual curiosity and creativity kept our life full of action. My mother always said to choose the father of your children wisely. It was the best thing I ever did. Michael has been my everything for the past 44 years. My heart is both broken and full of love and gratitude.

Michael is survived by his wife of 42 years, Anne (nee Feierstein); his three sons, Nic (Alison, granddaughters, Annie and Mira), Charlie and Sam; and dearest friend, Milt. Michael is also survived by his brother, Wayne (Anne Krog Øvrebø), and two sisters, Dee Fischer and Jeanine Metts (W. Howard). The large Feierstein clan and their families will miss him deeply. Along with the Feierstein clan, dear friends, Lee and Lauri, and our neighbors, Connie and James, held our hands so many times during this journey. We are eternally grateful.

A celebration of life will be held at HOLY WISDOM MONASTERY, 4200 County Highway M, Middleton, on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. A visitation will begin at 1 p.m. until the start of the memorial service at 2 p.m. A light meal will follow. The grounds of the Holy Wisdom Monastery are beautiful, and the reason we are celebrating Michael here. We hope you have time to travel their trails.

The family would like to thank the staff of Agrace HospiceCare for their assistance in caring for Michael in his home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Agrace HospiceCare or to the Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761