Philip R. Fischer, 68, Huntingburg

Philip R. Fischer, 68, of Huntingburg, passed away on the evening of Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center, surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Phil was born in Jasper on January 25, 1956, to John and Mary (Pfeifer) Fischer. 

He married Debra Buechlein on May 23, 1981, at Precious Blood Catholic Church in Jasper, Indiana.

He was a 1974 graduate of Southridge High School and attended Rose Hulman.

He retired as a warehouse superintendent for Winkler, Inc., where he had worked for over 40 years.

He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Huntingburg, Indiana, where he had been very active in the parish. He was on the Parish Council, a charter member of the picnic committee, a Minister of Holy Communion, including distributing the Eucharist to the homebound, and active in many other ministries within the church. 

He had been on the Southwest Dubois County School Board for 16 years.

Phil enjoyed reading, enriching, and growing in his faith, sailing, traveling, especially on his trip to the Holy Land with his wife and church family, and spending time with family, especially his 13 grandchildren.

Phil will not be forgotten, as he left big footprints for one who lived in such a quiet, unassuming way. He was a person of integrity and warmth, quick to smile and laugh, and easy to be with. He was a good and faithful servant to the Lord and, through his Faith, became a shining example to his family and everyone around him.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie Fischer of Huntingburg; four children, Pam (Jesse) Bolte of Huntingburg, Nicholas (April) Fischer of Jasper, Abbie (Shayne) Guinn of Huntingburg, and Andrew (Morgan) Fischer of Huntingburg; 13 grandchildren and two grandchildren on the way; five siblings, Flo (Patrick) Kellems of Tell City, Greg (Leola) Fischer of Lamar, Jake (Mary Jo) Fischer of Huntingburg, Eric Fischer of Haubstadt, and Mary (Dean) Becher of Ferdinand; several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and his mother-in-law, Lorraine Buechlein, Jasper, IN.

Preceding him in death are his parents, father-in-law, Maurice Buechlein, brothers-in-law, Roger Hunter Sr. and Joe Buechlein, and sister-in-law, Judy Atwood.

Phil’s family would like to extend a special thanks to Fr. Biju Thomas and their St. Mary Church family for their fervent and caring prayers and support during Phil’s battle.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Philip R. Fischer will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Huntingburg, Indiana, with burial to follow in the church cemetery.

A visitation will be held from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 10, 2024, at the Becher-Kluesner Downtown Chapel in Jasper, Indiana.  St. Mary Parish will pray a rosary at 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church in Huntingburg, Indiana, or to a favorite charity.

Online condolences may be made at www.becherkluesner.com.