Fisher, Joseph Anthony 1926-2024

FISHER, AMADOR, BRANDT, CHAN, QUIGLEY

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 3/27/2024 at 12:39:06

Joseph Anthony Fisher
1926 - 2024

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Joseph Anthony Fisher, 98, peacefully departed this life on March 25, 2024, at his home in Newton, Iowa. Born to Joseph George Fisher and Marie Theresa Amador on March 14, 1926, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He spent his childhood living all over the United States, spending time in Puerto Rico, New York, California, Wyoming, Arkansas, New Mexico, and Texas before settling in Iowa.

Joseph's academic journey was marked by dedication and achievement. He earned his bachelor's degree from Benedictine College, followed by a master's degree from Texas Christian University. He began his career in education by teaching Junior High in Fort Worth, Texas, and later as a professor at Texas Christian University. However, it was his move to Iowa that saw him reach new heights academically, earning his Ph.D. from the University of Iowa in 1961.

During his time at Texas Christian University, Joseph found love in Kay Fisher, whom he married on May 29, 1954, in Fort Worth, Texas. Their union lasted a remarkable 69 years, filled with love, companionship, and shared accomplishments.

Joseph's professional legacy was most notably shaped during his tenure at Drake University, where he served for 30 years as the Director of the Student Learning Center until his retirement in 1991. His dedication to education extended beyond the classroom, as he served as a visiting professor for Panama University and worked for the United Nations in educational initiatives throughout South America. Additionally, Joseph enriched the lives of many through his leadership of month-long tours of Europe for five years, offering students invaluable cultural experiences. He was also an active member of the International Reading Association, further demonstrating his passion for literacy and education on a global scale.

Outside of academia, Joseph was deeply committed to his faith and community. During retirement he served as a study group facilitator teaching the Catechism of the Catholic Church. His book A Catechetical Dictionary for the Catechism of the Catholic Church, was published in 2016 and is widely used by people of all faiths. He will be remembered fondly for his love of learning, his unwavering belief in the truths of the Catholic faith, and his profound impact on the lives of his family, friends, countless students and the community. He leaves a legacy of love, learning, and compassion that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Those left to honor Joseph’s memory are his wife, Kay Fisher; his three sons, Andrew (Christa) Fisher, Gary Fisher, and John (Deirdre) Fisher; daughters, Cathy Brandt, and Colleen (TY) Chan; a sister, Lilly Quigley; two brothers, Paul (Judy) Fisher and John (Jan) Fisher; twelve grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Marie Fisher; two sons, Gregory Fisher, and Sean Fisher; two daughters, Rebecca Fisher, and Anna Marie Fisher; and four siblings.

A funeral Mass to celebrate Joseph's life will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Newton, Iowa at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 2nd. A live stream of the funeral Mass will be held on the Pence-Reese Funeral Home Facebook page. There will be a Rosary Service held at 9:45 a.m. at the church on the day of the funeral Mass. A visitation will be held at Pence-Reese Funeral Home on Monday, April 1st, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Interment will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Newton, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made in Joseph’s name to Sacred Heart Religious Education or the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, WI.

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VISITATION WITH THE FAMILY
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Monday, April 1, 2024
Pence - Reese Funeral Home
310-N. 2 Ave. E.
Newton, Iowa, United States
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ROSARY SERVICE
9:45 am
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
1115 S. 8th Ave. E.
Newton, Iowa, United States
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FUNERAL MASS
11:00 am
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
1115 S. 8th Ave. E.
Newton, Iowa, United States
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FACEBOOK LIVE BROADCAST
11:00 am
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Pence Reese Funeral Home & Cremation Services Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/Pence-Reese-Funeral-Home-Cremation-Services-45841802308/
Newton, Iowa, United States
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INTERMENT
1:30 pm
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery
2901 S. 12th Ave. W.
Newton, Iowa, United States
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Joseph Fisher
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Joseph Fisher
1926 - 2024
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