Melvin "Mel" D. Fischer

Melvin D. Fischer (Mel), age 90, of Oshkosh, passed away on Monday, October 1, 2018. He was born on March 26, 1928, in Marshfield, to the late Louis and Alma (Schroeder) Fischer. After graduating from Marshfield Regional High School, he continued to support the family farm with his mother and brother, Elroy. At age 27, draft papers arrived and Mel enlisted in the United States Army, and was stationed in Heidelberg, Germany. After his time in the military, Mel attended North Central College where he would earn his Bachelor’s, and the University of Wisconsin where Mel earned his Master’s Degree. He worked for the Oshkosh Area School District as a High School Social Studies teacher until his retirement in 1990. On June 6, 1964, Mel married Marlene Rintelmann, and their marriage was blessed with three children.
Mel sang in the church choir for over 50 years along with having served on numerous church boards. He was proud to serve as the Social Studies Department chairman at Oshkosh North High School.
Mel is survived by his loving wife, Marlene; his children: Paul (Sandie) Fischer, Jenny (Jon) Olson, and Heidi (Grant) Thomas; grandchildren: Jacob and Karl Ryan (Katie) Akin, Kyle (fiance Aeriel) Dillman; Melanie, Samantha, and Megan Fischer; and Tyler Thomas; great-grandchildren: Oliver Akin; and Kayden Dillman; a brother-in-law, Bruce (Hilde) Rintelmann; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Mel was preceded in death by his brothers: Eugene (Grace), Harold (Lavonne), Elroy (Opal), and Maynard (Ella) Fischer; his sister: Nelda (Don) Swenson; and a brother-in-law: Allen (Carol) Rintelmann.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 13, 2018, at First United Methodist Church, 700 W. Linwood Avenue, Oshkosh, with Rev. Russ Frees, Jr. officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 9:00 a.m. Saturday until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (www.umcor.org) are appreciated.