John A. Fisher Jr.
ESCANABA — John A. Fisher Jr. returned to his heavenly home on Feb. 15, 2019, after a valiant battle with cancer. His family devotion and firm belief in God embraced him in his battle and ultimately gave him peace. He was born on Aug. 17, 1946, in Escanaba, Mich.,to the late John (Jack) and Marguerite “Marge” (Osier) Fisher. John graduated from Holy Name High School in 1964 and served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War from 1966-1969.
On May 6, 1972, John married the love of his life, Judith “Judy” A. Messier, at St. Thomas Church in Escanaba, Mich. John worked for Coca Cola Foods; Procter & Gamble; and then several food brokers. Twice, he was honored as the Coca Cola Food’s Salesman of the Year and retired in October 2006 at the age of 60. John was a member of St. Thomas Church; Elks 354; and the Escanaba Fan Club. He received the Eskymo Fan of the Year Award. He avidly followed all Michigan-team sports especially the Detroit Lions. John coached Holy Name girls’ basketball with his brother, Steve and Escanaba Little League softball with Tom Nault. He loved wintering in Tucson, Ariz., and enjoyed spending time with family. His caring soul and witty humor will always be remembered. John was proud to be a Yooper and welcomed all into his home.
John was blessed with a loving family. His wife was the sparkle in his eye and his children made him so proud. He is survived by his wife, Judy, of Gladstone, MI, of 46 years. His children, Samantha (Daniel) LaViolette of Green Bay, WI; Natalie (Lance) Queen of Lansing, MI; Nichole Fisher of Lansing, Mich.,; Adam (Susan) Fisher of Haslett, Mich.,; John’s adored brother, Stephen (Cyndi) Fisher, of Escanaba, MI; and brother-in-law Arthur Messier of Escanaba, Mich. Papa John’s grandchildren include: Brady, Bennett, and Payton LaViolette; Jade and Jude Queen; and Caleb, Morgan, and Clara Fisher. Uncle John loved his nieces and nephews. His great nieces and nephews filled his heart with so much joy.
Visitation will be at Crawford Funeral Home, 302 S. 13th St., Escanaba, on Thursday, Feb. 21, from 3 to 6:30 p.m. The Escanaba Elks #354 will have their memorial service at 4:30 p.m. and parish prayers will conclude the visitation time at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will also take place on Friday, Feb. 22 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the funeral home. On Friday, Mass will begin at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Escanaba MI. A luncheon will follow in the parish hall. Burial will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Holy Name School; Delta County
Animal Shelter; or St. Thomas the Apostle Church.
Message(s) of condolence may be directed to the Fisher family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. We would like to thank OSF Hospice for their continued, loving support during John’s noble, courageous journey.