April 11, 2019 – Papillion, NE – Lt. Colonel Lowell William Fischer, 84, passed away peacefully at his Papillion, NE home on April 9, 2019 after a long period of ill health.
Lowell was born in Detroit, MI on August 13, 1934 and grew up in Wisconsin Dells, WI. He was the son of Ruth and George Fischer.
Lowell left home at age 14 and was taken in by Walter and Martina Wagner, local hotel owners. The Wagners gave Lowell a job, room and board and saw to it that he completed his education. They were like mentors to Lowell and helped direct his life’s path.
Lowell enlisted in the USAF in 1955 as an aviation Cadet. He and his family were stationed throughout the corners of the US as Lowell went through officer’s training and rose through the ranks from Lieutenant to Lt. Colonel. He earned many military honors as a B-52 navigator, traveling in southeast Asia, Guam and Japan. Lowell was stationed in U-Tapao, Thailand as a Combat Mission Team Specialist during the Vietnam War, defending his country from 1971-72. In 1975 he was Chief of Bomb/Nav Branch at Seymour Johnson AFB in NC. His final orders were at Offutt AFB in Bellevue, NE where he served 4.5 years on the Inspector General team. In 1981 having served faithfully and honorably, Lowell retired from the USAF. His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Gallantry Cross with Palm, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and many more.
Lowell married the former Carol Schacht on December 28, 1957 during a blizzard in West Bend, WI. They were introduced by Carol’s roommate Sharon, Mr. Wagner’s daughter, when on leave from the Air Force in WI. He and Carol raised six children as military brats.
In retirement Lowell returned to school and earned an associates degree in auto mechanics, something he’d always wanted to do. He continued to work, including many years of service as business and finance manager at St. Columbkille Parish.
Lowell was a funny, gregarious, honest man of simple pleasures, who was devoted to his family. He donated to many charities for decades, delivered Meals on Wheels to shut ins, and served his community as an honorary member of Knights of Columbus and Kiwanis. Lowell relaxed watching Bob Ross or “This Old House” on PBS, and told loads of stories in his distinctive voice.
Lowell is survived by his wife of 61 years, Carol Schacht Fischer; children Lowell (Bill) W. Fischer, Jr., Elisabeth (Lisa) F. Wheeler, Anthony (Tony) E.G., Teresa (Tracy) M., Susan A. and Jennifer P. Fischer; grandchildren William A., Joseph E. and Samuel J. Fischer, Caroline E. and Chase A. Wheeler; brother Paul Fischer and his children; nephew Daniel Fischer, and many other special nieces, nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law and friends.
The family would like to thank nurse Sheila of Hillcrest Hospice Care for her caring support.
Viewing and visitation: Monday, April 15, 2019, 6–8 p.m., Rosary at 7 p.m., Kahler Dolce Mortuary, 441 N. Washington St., Papillion, NE. Service: Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at 10:30 a.m., St. Columbkille Catholic Church, Papillion, NE. Interment following at 2 p.m. at Omaha National Cemetery with military honors.
Dad, we will always carry your memory in our hearts.
Thank you for your service sir and rest in peace.