Neil Harmon Fischer peacefully passed away, surrounded by the people he loved, on Sunday, May 23, 2021 at Kearney Regional Medical Center in Kearney, Nebraska, at the age of 86.
He was born on February 28, 1935
in Plainville, Kansas to the late Nicholas and Beatrice (Kaba) Fischer.
On October 3, 1954 he was united in marriage to Doris Miller in Radium,
Kansas. They were blessed with two daughters, Nalisha and Crystal.
Neil’s life revolved around staying busy, working hard for his
family, and serving his friends, neighbors, and community. He held
several jobs throughout his lifetime, including selling magazines for
Cappers Reader’s Service, laboring at the local meat locker, working as
an electrician and carpenter, but mostly tending to the farm while
building his reputable certified wheat seed business known as Fischer’s
Finest Field Seeds.
Neil was an integral part of the community and instrumental in many
of the organizations he belonged to. He served as President of the
Rooks County Historical Society for several years, Director for the
Civil Defense Department in Plainville, was a faithful member of the
Jaycees Community Betterment Program, part of the Plainville Rescue
Squad for over 50 years, worked on the “Chain Gang” for hometown
Cardinal football games, and was on the Plainville Township Board until
he passed away. He continued to work until he physically was no longer
able, and even from his hospital bed, he made calls, checked on
projects, and was in touch with fellow laborers up to the very last day
of his life. That alone speaks volumes to the type of man he was and
the character he possessed.
In his earlier years, Neil enjoyed hunting, and later in life he
discovered his love for gardening, woodworking, and baking. He was
always very proud of his rhubarb cobblers and made sure to supply them
for friends and loved ones no matter the occasion. And although he led a
very busy life, he always made sure to make plenty of time for those he
loved the most, his family and friends. He was a very loving and
compassionate man that treated everyone equally. He cared for his
family with an unmet love and was always checking in on them.
Neil was also a very gentle man and was kind to every animal and
person he met. He certainly held a very special love for his little
furry friend, Chip, who kept him company after his long days of hard
work. He was truly devoted to his work, family, and all those around
him, with a never-ending, never-tiring love.
Neil is survived by his two loving daughters, Nalisha Cotter of
Littleton CO, and Crystal (Ward) Craig of Russell; four grandchildren,
Jennifer (Chad) Hopkins, Eric (Lauren) Cotter, Calder Craig and Kiefer
Craig; two great-grandchildren, Aibhilin Hopkins and Malachi Hopkins;
his honorary Czech granddaughter Kate (Martin) Martykanova and
great-grandchildren Adeina and Hynek; and his loving companion Vivian
Humphrey.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas and Beatrice
(Kaba) Fischer; wife, Doris Fischer; and his sister Jacqueline (Don)
Prickett.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, May 28, 2021 at the First
Christian Church in Plainville at 2 PM. A Visitation will be held on
Thursday at the church from 2 PM until 8 PM with family receiving
friends from 5PM until 7PM.
Memorials are suggested to the Rooks County Historical Society and
may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd St.,
Plainville, KS 67663.