Benjamin Allen Fischer, 96, passed away Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at Good Samaritan Health Care Center.
He was born on March 6, 1920 at Willard, CO to Alva and Florence (Sheldon) Fischer.
On May 26, 1939 he enlisted in the U.S. Army. During WWII he served in the Pacific Theatre where he received many service citations including the Bronze Service Star. He was honorably discharged on
August 15, 1945.
He married Margaret Eileen Zuhlke on May 8, 1941 in Leavenworth, KS.
After his military service he returned to Sterling, CO where he received his training as a watch maker.
In 1946 they were transferred to Alliance where he began working as the Jeweler and Watch Maker at Thiele Jewelry Store. He later became the owner, retiring after 50 years in 1996.
He continued to fix clocks at his home for his friends for many years after retiring. He was a master clock and watch maker, receiving and fixing grandfather clocks from all over the United States.
Ben was a lifetime member of the American Legion. He was a 32nd Degree Mason of the Masonic Lodge, member of Scottish Rite and a member of Rotary. Being a devout Christian, Ben was an active member of the First Christian Church and had served as an Elder. One of his favorite hobbies was printing brochures, business cards, membership books, etc., using an antique Linotype printing press for his business and many other organizations in the community. He later donated all of his presses and other equipment to Dobby Lee’s Frontier Town in the Fischer Printing Building.
He is survived by his children, Darrel Fischer of Rochelle, IL, Linda Armstrong of Mitchell, NE, Patricia (Michael) Burri of Hemingford and Lisa (Jock) Faris of Alliance. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kelly (John Christian) Armstrong, Steve (Margaret) Armstrong, Lori (Micah) Browning, Brian (Anna) Armstrong, Kimberly (Michael) Bolstridge, Heather Kant, Tanner Johns, Jordan Mak, Chelsea Faris, Josie (Mike) Wolf, Baylea (Ty) Vallier, Abbea Faris, Talon Mak and Chance Mak, his great-grandchildren, Zachary Bolstridge, Kaitlyn Bolstridge, Cameron Bolstridge, Jasmin Browning, Benjamin Browning, Parker Browning and Karter Vallier.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, 1 sister, 3 brothers and 2 grandsons.
Graveside services will be Monday, October 24 at 1:00 p.m. at the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery at Alliance.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.