Obituary of Frank J. Fisher

Frank J. Fisher, 95, of Iowa City died Saturday, October 6, 2007 following a brief illness. Services and a celebration of Frank’s life will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday, October 12, 2007, at the First United Methodist Church in Iowa City, with the Reverend Paul Akin officiating. Visitation will be from 4 until time of service at the church. There will be a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to University of Iowa Foundation-Recreational Services, the Masonic Foundation, and the First United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web @www.gayandciha.com. Frank Joseph Fisher was born in Johnson County, Iowa on August 26, 1912, the son of Agnes Virginia Slezak Fisher Hotz (1881-1963) and the late Frank Joseph Fisher (1875-1912). He graduated from Iowa City High School in 1929 and from the State University of Iowa College of Engineering in 1934 with a degree in chemical engineering. Frank served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy 1944-1946. On December 24, 1938 Frank married Jessie Moss in the parsonage of the First Methodist Episcopal Church in Iowa City. Frank worked at Strubs Department Store after the war and with Thomas Electric for many years before joining the UI’s department of married student housing as supervisor in 1962. He retired from the University in 1977. Frank was active for many years in White Shrine, Order of Eastern Star, and the Iowa City Shrine Club. He was an 80 plus year member of the First United Methodist Church. Frank and Jessie are the parents of: Sandra, (Hopewell Junction, NY); Christine (Harry) Ostrander (Coralville); Frank “Franz” (Debbie) (Davenport, IA) and John (Lauren) (Denver, CO). He has 10 grandchildren, Jill Wood (Larry); Joseph Francis (Dorene); Tracey Olmoz (John); Heidi Goverman (Bill); Jeff Ostrander (Kasey); Molly Larkin (Joseph); Mark Ostrander (Cherie); Lisa Leff (Ed); Mindi Shupe (Derick); and Analisa Fisher; 1 step-grandchild, Alyse Doperalski; 13 great-grandchildren and two step-great grandchildren. He is also survived by cousins: Cleo Studt and Neita Cochran of Iowa City and Edmund (Bud) Fisher of Valentine, NE. Frank’s parents, sisters: Lenora Matthews and Irma Miller, twin sister, Anna Gilchrist, and cousin Agnes Kurz have passed on. Frank loved the theater, and was an accomplished wood crafter. His faithful presence at the UI field house pool and work-out rooms was an inspiration to all. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Frank’s family and services.