Helen M. Fischer

Helen M. Fischer, 76, Bismarck, went to meet her Maker on His birthday, December 25, 2012, surrounded by her husband and family, at her home, after a courageous four-year battle with cancer. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 10:30 AM at the Church of Corpus Christi in Bismarck with Rev. Paul Becker officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 – 8:00 PM at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a Catholic Daughters Rosary will begin at 7:00 PM followed by a Vigil service. Visitation will continue on Saturday one hour prior to the service at the church. Helen Marie Bares Fischer was born on May 13, 1936, on the family farm to Frank and Marcella Theisen Bares. She grew up in the Beach, North Dakota, area where she was very active in her school and community. Helen played in the school band and was voted Homecoming Queen at Beach High School. Together with her father and siblings, she played in the family dance band, "The Starlighters". In 1955, she moved to Bismarck to attend the St. Alexius School of Nursing, where she also played basketball. Helen met the love of her life, Clarence J. Fischer, in 1957, and they were married in October 1958, soon after Helen graduated from nursing school. They lived in Bismarck all of their married life. Helen worked at St. Alexius Medical Center for 36 years, with her primary role as night supervisor. Nursing was more than just a job for Helen. She had a passion for helping people lead healthy lifestyles and was widely known for her compassion with patients and their families. In the late 70s and early 80s, while working and raising four children, Helen returned to Mary College to earn a BS degree in Nursing. She and Clarence have been dedicated supporters of the University of Mary ever since. Helen was a dynamic person with an adventurous spirit. She enjoyed life to the fullest, and pursued her interests with passion. At age 45, she took up watercolor painting, at age 65, she enjoyed water tubing behind a speedboat with her grandchildren. At age 70, she taught herself how to play the accordion. She shared a love for dancing with Clarence and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed playing cards, embroidering, sewing, knitting and crocheting. She was active in her church and community, and made hundreds of quilts, many for Home on the Range. In her spare time, she enjoyed working in her yard and tending to her flower gardens. Helen was an active Knights of Columbus wife and did a lot of traveling with Clarence. She was also a member of Catholic Daughters, Theresa of the Little Flower Guild, Eagle's Women's Auxiliary and Retired Nurses Group. Helen is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Clarence; her children, Teresa Taylor, Mary Feist Joe Almer, Michael Laurie, and Clarice Mark Trent; her nine grandchildren, Ashley Taylor, Kristin Taylor, Darren Feist Mariah Lang, Alec Fischer, Madeline Fischer, Charles Fischer, Abby Mark, Jonathan Mark, and Adam Mark; her six great-grandchildren, Deven, Kaley, Zabrien, Kavery, Aden, and Job; her five sisters and four brothers, Robert Bares Marlene, Marguerite Emter Ervin, Irvin Bares Virginia, Kathleen Goroski Gerald, Jean Schulte Delbert, Leroy Bares Marina, Janet Ripplinger Ervin, Thomas Bares, and Teresa Klippen Wesley; her in-laws, Rose Mathern, Pius Fischer, Aloys and Cyndy Fischer, and Tom Fischer; many nieces and nephews, and many wonderful friends. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Marcella Bares; her two sisters, Genevieve and Mary; her parents–in-law, Wendelin and Tillie Fischer; and her brothers-in–law, Matt Mathern and Daniel Skorheim. Memorials are preferred to Knights of Columbus Foundation, Home on the Range, and The God's Child Project.

Helen M. Fischer

May 13, 1936 - December 25, 2012