Walter J. Fischbach, 93, of Beaver Dam, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, August 29, 2016.
A funeral service for Wally will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016 at St. Stephen Ev. Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam with the Rev. Philip Heyer officiating. A visitation will also be on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at the church. The Beaver Dam American Legion Post #146 to meet at 10:00 a.m. to pay their respects. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery with graveside Military Honors provided by the Beaver Dam American Legion Post #146.
Wally was born on February 8, 1923 in Detroit, MI. At the age of seven, his father sent him to Luxembourg to live with his grandmother. In 1940, when he was 17 years old, he was arrested by the Gestapo because he was an American citizen. He spent the next 3 ½ years in German concentration camps. In 1945, he was exchanged for German prisoners. He then came back to America.
He served 2 ½ years in the U.S. Coast Guard and Merchant Marines. He was honorably discharged in 1947.
In 1948, he married Shirley Weber. They were blessed with four children: a son, Wayne (Jan) and three daughters: Kim (Jim) Brace, Carol (George) Davis and Diane (Peter) Eppen. His wife Shirley passed away in 1977. In 1979, he married Pearl Birkholz, who preceded him in death in 2009.
Wally was a lifetime member of St. Stephen Ev. Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam. He was a member of the Beaver Dam American Legion Post #146 and an active member of the Beaver Dam YMCA. He volunteered at Hillside Manor and Nancy’s Notions. Wally was proud to travel to Washington D.C. with the Badger Honor Flight. He enjoyed swimming, skiing, dancing, golf, tennis, bowling and soccer. He traveled frequently to Europe and Florida.
Wally is survived by his four children, eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He also leaves behind his special friend and dance partner, Marion Gade.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Stephen’s Window Restoration Fund.
Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com
