Nitardy Funeral Homes

Early in the morning on Friday, June 26, 2026, Arnold Jerrold Fischer of Fort Atkinson, WI was welcomed into the arms of his loving savior as he entered eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. In his 91 years, 8 months, and 15 days, he was lovingly referred to as Son, Husband, Father, Grandpa, Papa, Brother, Uncle, and Friend. He passed away peacefully at home, knowing and feeling the love of all those he loved.

Arnie was born to Mathew and Grace (Haines) Fischer on Thursday, October 11, 1934, in Watertown, WI. He was the third born of eight; brother to four brothers and three sisters.

On June 9, 1954, Arnie married his beautiful bride, Ellen Marie Wineland of Jefferson, WI, and they celebrated 68 years of marriage until Ellen’s passing on November 14, 2022. During their time together, they raised a family with son, Gary, and daughter, Janet, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren that would follow. Arnie and Ellen’s marriage was filled with adventure, including living in Alaska on and off between 1975 – 1992, and traveling the country. Together, they also loved to hunt, fish, camp, travel, and spend nights at the racetrack, as well as follow NASCAR racing.

Arnie had a great sense of humor and an unforgettable laugh! He also had a big heart which sometimes seemed covered by a rough and tough exterior, but his love and warmth would always shine through, and he had a smile like no other.

Professionally, Arnie was an accomplished welder, and he retired from Spacesaver in Fort Atkinson in 2009, although he went back to work for another 10 years part-time to help with special projects. Arnie had many skills and talents and over the decades he held several diverse roles such as: Fire Chief of the Cooper Landing Alaska Volunteer Fire Department, Assistant to the Kenai Lake Air Taxi, and worked hand in hand with The Hamilton’s Place Garage and Tow Service, as well as helping out with the Alaska State Troopers.

He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish, and he shared this love with anyone who would be interested in joining him. He also passed on this love to his family and spent many happy memories fishing and hunting with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Arnie knew and loved his Savior, Jesus Christ, and was a long-time member of Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson. He embraced God’s grace and was ready to spend eternity with his Lord and Savior.

Arnold Jerrold Fischer served his country in the Army National Guard from 1953 to 1961 as a member of Company L, 127th Infantry, 32nd Red Arrow Division.

Arnie is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Gary and Nancy Fischer of Janesville, daughter Janet Garvert and her significant other Clint Peterson of Fort Atkinson; Grandchildren: Christopher (Jamie) Fischer of Lake City, MN, Stephanie (Aaron) Chamberlain of Janesville, Donn (Yagmur Muftuoglu) Garvert of Los Angeles, CA, and Heidi (Ivan) Garcia of Janesville; Great-Grandchildren: Caden and Rachel Fischer, Isabelle Fischer and Stefan and Aria Chamberlain, Julia and Hailey Jones and Kadin and Sophia Garcia; Brother Terry Fischer of Janesville, Sister Rose (Tim) Multhauf, Sisters-in-law Shirley Zubke of Watertown, and Marge Dieter of Fort Atkinson, and brother-in-law Donald Wineland of Lily, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and close friends.

Arnie was preceded in his Heavenly arrival by his beautiful bride, Ellen, parents, grandson Steven Fischer, infant sister Ramona Fischer, brothers and sisters-in-law: David and Lauretta Fischer, LaVern and Sharon Fischer, George and Delores Fischer, Jane and Francis Bingham, brother-in-law Fred Dieter, sister-in-law Pam Fischer, brother-in-law Edward Zubke, and sister-in-law Lynn Wineland.

The family would like to thank the physicians and staff of the UW Cancer Center in Johnson Creek and also for the assistance in care from the Rainbow Community Care teams for AJ’s peaceful passing.

Visitation will be held on Saturday July 25, 2026 at Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church (WELS), 404 Roosevelt St, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM with Christian service to follow and concluded with Military Honors. A luncheon will be served following the service to celebrate and remember Arnie “AJ”, Dad, Grandpa, Papa.

Nitardy Funeral Homes of Fort Atkinson, WI is assisting the family.

If desired, memorial donations may be made in Arnie’s memory to: Lakeside Lutheran High School for The Steven C. Fischer Memorial Scholarship Fund, Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church – Fort Atkinson, or Crown of Life Christian Academy – Fort Atkinson.

For online condolences, please visit the funeral home website below:

https://www.altogetherfuneral.com/obituaries/nitardy-funeral-homes/fort-atkinson-wisconsin/arnie-aj-fischer/june-2026