Leeland Robert Fischer

Obituary

Leeland Fischer was born June 8, 1927, in Raymondville, Texas, the son of Walton and Della (Schafer) Fischer. He grew up in Buffalo Lake, and received his education at the District 57 Country School north of Buffalo Lake and the Buffalo Lake High School. Following his graduation, Leeland worked on the family farm.

On March 14, 1946, Leeland entered active military service in the United States Navy. He completed Submarine School, and served on the U.S.S. Diodon SS-349. He received the Victory Medal WWII and separated on January 17, 1948. On January 30, 1951, Leeland re-enlisted in the Navy. He served aboard submarines, and was selected to train others. He was an original crew member (plank owner) of the U.S.S. Nautilus, SSN-571, the first nuclear-powered submarine. Leeland was aboard during the “Underway on Nuclear Power” cruise which cast off on January 17, 1955. This was the longest submerged cruise by a submarine and at the highest sustained speed ever recorded. He was also aboard during the first under ice polar trip in 1957. His medals include the Korean Service Medal, and he was Honorably Discharged on January 28, 1958. During Leeland’s nearly nine years of military service, seven years were spent at sea or on foreign land.

On November 20, 1954, Leeland was united in marriage to Joan Driscoll in Groton, Connecticut. Following Leeland’s discharge from the Navy, they made their home on their farm in Preston Lake Township, just west of Buffalo Lake. Their marriage was blessed with four children, Earl, Kim, Cynthia, and Melinda. Leeland farmed the land until his retirement in 1993. Leeland and Joan enjoyed 64 years of marriage.

In 1974 at the age of 47 years, Leeland was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He answered many leadership callings within the church. Most notably, his service as the Branch President in Willmar for five years and, up to the age of 88, teaching seminary to some of his grandchildren every morning at 6 a.m.

Leeland was dedicated to his faith, agriculture, and community. He served on the Boards of Directors of the Buffalo Lake Farmers Coop Elevator for 25 years and the Buffalo Lake Healthcare Center for 24 years. Leeland was an active member of the Buffalo Lake Rod and Gun Club, and served as a Firearms Safety Instructor for 50+ years. He was a Mason, and belonged to the Hector Masonic Lodge #158.

An avid outdoorsman, Leeland enjoyed country living and nature. He was a hard-working man, and very conscientious with every detail. He enjoyed deer hunting and fishing through the years, and made many memories while deer hunting with his grandchildren. Leeland loved his family and gave of himself incredibly for them.

On Saturday afternoon, July 13, 2019, Leeland passed away at the Glencoe Regional Health Hospital, having reached the age of 92 years. Blessed be his memory.

Leeland is survived by his:

Wife, Joan Fischer of Buffalo Lake, Minnesota;

Children:     Earl Fischer and his wife, Louise, of Branson, Missouri,
                    Kim Fischer and his wife, Janet, of Rhinelander, Wisconsin,
                    Cynthia Sullivan and her husband, Michael, of Chisago City, Minnesota,
                    Melinda Keller of Buffalo Lake, Minnesota;

Grandchildren: Sid Fischer, Bus Fischer, Abe Fischer, Ivy Fischer, Steve LeBlanc, Brandon Fischer, Holly Fischer, Sarah Sullivan, Kyle Sullivan, Zane Keller, Mae Keller, Wyatt Keller;

15 Great-Grandchildren;

Sisters:  Carol Tucker of Buffalo Lake, Minnesota, and Kathryn Lauricella of Sunnyvale, California;

Sister-in-law, Belinda Fischer of Dallas, Texas;

nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Leeland was preceded in death by his Parents, Walton and Della Fischer; Brother, Dennis Fischer; Sister, LaVonne Ledbetter; Granddaughter, Nikki Fischer; and Brothers-in-law, Charles Ledbetter and Vincent Lauricella.