Frank N Fischer

Frank N. Fischer, 94, passed away December 7th, 2024, at SMP Health – Ave Maria in Jamestown, ND.

Frank was born on June 27th, 1933, in Turtle Lake, the son of Emma (Keel) Fischer and Frank M. Fischer. Following a stellar high school athletic career, Frank graduated from Turtle Lake High School and was then recruited to play basketball at Bismarck Jr. College. Frank completed his college basketball career as a standout Jimmie at Jamestown College where he graduated with a BS degree in Education. He earned his Master’s Degree in Administration at North Dakota State University and completed additional post graduate studies at the University of Missouri.

Frank met the love of his life, Marvel Britton, while in high school. Despite being school rivals, they married on August 16th, 1953. Frank and Marvel had two daughters: Judi and Kathi.

Frank began his professional career as Principal at Killdeer High School for 12 years. Over the next few years, Frank was Superintendent of Schools in Hebron, State Director of Manpower and Training (Dept. of Public Instruction) and Assistant State Director of Vocational Education. He completed his professional career as Superintendent of Schools in Jamestown from 1969-1993.

Frank had a passion for teaching, coaching and administrating in the field of education. As superintendent, he took great interest in hiring first and foremost quality teachers and in so hired quality coaches to positively guide the learning of students while instilling and enhancing individual student success throughout the educational journey. What set Frank apart from others was his sincere interest in establishing a high degree of academic excellence along with a dedication to all extra-curricular activities available to students. He was a true leader in every sense. Loyal to the school district and community as a whole.

Frank was a member of and served on many committees and boards – some of which include: ND Association of School Administrators, American Association of School Administrators, ND Vocational Association, National Vocational Association, ND Adult Education Association, Trinity Lutheran Church Council, Elks, Lions, P.T.A, Jamestown Quarterback Club, Jamestown Chamber of Commerce, Coop Area Manpower Planning Service, Phi Delta Kappa International Professional Fraternity, Dickinson State College Board of Directors, United Tribes Family Training Center, Boy Scouts, ND Governors Employment and Training Forum, ND Governor’s Advisory Council for Vocational Education, Jamestown Hospital Board of Directors (Past President), Title III ESEA, ND School Study Council, Stutsman County Day Care Center Board of Directors, Buffalo Valley Special Education Advisory, Stutsman County Health Board of Directors, Area Manpower Planning Board, ND High School Activities Association Board of Directors (Past President), CETA Regional Advisory, ND State Advisory for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, Blue Ribbon Committee to Study Education Finances, ND Association of School Administrators (Past President), ND Council of School Administrators Board of Directors and Jamestown College Board of Trustees Emeritus.

Some of the many awards that Frank received throughout his lifetime include the following:  Fraternal Order of Eagles Outstanding Citizen, Lions Club International Melvin Jones Fellow for dedicated humanitarian services, Distributive Education Club of America Outstanding Service, Local and State Recipient of ND Employer of the Handicapped, ND Association of School Administrators Quarter Century Club, Lions Honorary Member, Who’s Who in the Midwest and Honorary State Farmer. He was most recently inducted into the Jamestown High School Hall of Fame becoming the first Honorary Hall of Fame Award recipient for the sincere interest he took in the athletes, athletic programs and coaches during his time as Superintendent.

Upon retirement Frank enjoyed spending time at their cabin on Spiritwood Lake, Friday coffee with friends, gardening and chairing the Trinity Lutheran lutefisk supper fund raiser for several years. The highlight of retirement was spending quality time with grandkids and great grandkids. Grandpa could sit back, watch, and enjoy all the memory making activities with a broad smile on his face Family meant everything to Frank, a true blessing from God.

Frank is survived by his wife of 71 years, Marvel; daughters, Judi (Larry) Schnell of Dickinson and Kathi Fischer of Jamestown; four grandchildren, Jay (Emma) Schnell, Dee (Charlie) Lothert, Kari (Marc) Hoe, and Danny (Julie) Fischer; ten great-grandchildren, Grayson, Finn, Juliet and Myla Schnell, Shep and Palmer Lothert, Oskar and Britton Hoe, and Louie and Sadie Fischer; numerous nieces and nephews. Frank was preceded in death by his parents and five sisters.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Roseadele, 1505 3rd St SE, Jamestown; SMP Health-Ave Maria, 501 19th St NE, Jamestown; Jamestown Regional Medical Center, 2422 20th St. SW, Jamestown; or the charity of your choice.

Funeral Service – 1:30 p.m., Thursday, December 12, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Jamestown, with Pastor Kristi Weber officiating.

Visitation – 1:00p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 11 at Eddy Funeral Home.

Burial – Sunset Memorial Gardens, Jamestown.