Joseph "Joe" V. Fischer

Joe Fischer of Rochester, MN, passed away peacefully at the age of 97 on January 29, 2025, in Eau Claire, WI.

Born in Rochester on April 25, 1927, Joe was the son of Ida Mae and Aloysius Fischer, the sixth of eleven children.

Joe attended Rochester Catholic schools. In 1944, after his junior year at Our Lady of Lourdes High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a Seabee in the South Pacific until 1946. Upon his return, he completed his high school education and met Patricia Maron McLaughlin, as members of Lourdes graduating class of 1947. They were married August 30, 1947, and had five children: Linda Loerch; Jane Yager of Burnsville, MN; Timothy of St. Louis, MO; Jeffrey (Deb) of Eau Claire, WI; and Laurie Gathje (Steve) of Plymouth, MN.

Joe worked for 14 years at SM Supply Company. In 1961, he co-founded Standard Auto Parts and became its sole owner in 1976. He owned the business until his retirement in

1992. Joe and Patricia loved all Minnesota sports and were one of the original Vikings season ticket holders. He was a terrific handyman and loved working on home projects. Joe was a member of the Eagles and Elks Clubs and the VFW.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Patricia; their daughter, Linda; as well as four brothers and five sisters. He is survived by his sister, Catherine Jumbeck of Bay City, WI, 15 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will take place at River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester, MN at 11 am on Friday, April 25, 2025.  Visitation will take place from 10 am until the time of service.  Interment with military honors will take place immediately following the service in the Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, MN.  Contributions in Joe’s honor may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Staten Island, NY.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.  

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