Burial will be in Salem Emmanuel Lutheran Cemetery at Long Lake, with military rites by Long Lake American Legion Post No. 276.
There will be a prayer service Monday at 6 p.m., with visitation from 4 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home.
Charlie died Feb. 7, 2013, at St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck, N.D.
Charles J. Fischer, son of John and Magdelena (Hoffman) Fischer, was born April 28, 1933, in Long Lake. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City. After his honorable discharge, Charlie attended and graduated from Reich Auction School in Mason City, Iowa. On Dec. 2, 1956, Charlie opened Charles J. Fischer Auction Company-Real Estate and Insurance. On Feb. 14, 1957, Fischer Auction Co. held their first farm auction. Lucy Hoffman joined Charlie in clerking and cashiering that first sale, and everyone that followed for the last 55 years.
Charlie was united in marriage to Lucy Hoffman on Oct. 5, 1958, in Zion Lutheran Church in Ashley. They moved to the family farm north of Long Lake, where they continued to own and operate the Fischer Family Farming business. In 1960, their own family began to grow, as they were blessed with a son, John, and in 1962, a daughter, Kristi. As the family grew, so did the operations of the family business.
In 1962, Charlie acted as a founding member of the South Dakota Auction Association; he was inducted into the Auctioneers Hall of Fame(s) in South Dakota and North Dakota and Minnesota. He was an active member of the National Auction Association and received the Certified Auction Institute designation.
In the mid-1970s, Charlie opened Charlie's Meat Market in Long Lake, selling the operating business in the late 1980s. During this time, he worked to perfect his recipe for German sausage. Charlie was a community "champion." He loved rural life, especially the communities in McPherson and McIntosh, N.D., counties, including Long Lake, Leola, Eureka, Ashley, Lehr and Wishek.
In 2000, Charlie was proud to see his son, John, take over the leadership role of family business operations. Charlie had many dignified life accomplishments, but he knew the candor, earnest work ethic, and importance of upstanding moral character, which in passing down to his children, would be his true legacy. His pride shone through in each and everyone of John and Kristi's accomplishments; he was their biggest fan and loudest cheering section.
Charlie was an active member of the following organizations, holding many leadership positions throughout the years. He was a "get-r-done" kind of guy. No task was too big or too small; he was encouraging to young and old. He always had a kind word, wanting the utmost best, for everyone.
Charlie was a member of Salem Emmanuel Lutheran Church, serving several years on the church council. He was past president of Long Lake Booster Club; chairman of the 50th and 75th anniversary celebrations of the founding of Long Lake; Long Lake City Council; Long Lake Volunteer Fire Department and Long Lake Senior Housing Board of Directors. Charlie was a proud member of Long Lake American Legion Post No. 276; Long Lake Turkey Shoot Chairman and American Legion Band Department of S.D.
Charlie was also a member of the Yelduz Shrine, serving as potentate in 1992; member of the Yelduz Shrine Band; Royal Order of Jesters and the Mobridge Masonic Lodge No. 164. He was also a member of the Ashley, N.D., Lions Club.
Charlie is survived by his wife, Lucy, of 54 years; son, John, of Long Lake and his children, Magdalena "Bea" and Victor; and daughter, Kristi (Kip) Wagner of Whitewood and their children, Katherine "Katie" and Kevin.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Walter.
Casketbearers will be Paul Fischer, Curtis Bendewald, Keith Stugelmayer, Ken Stugelmayer, Rodney Hoffman and Mike Rath.
The organist will be Steve Glaesmann and the soloist is Katie Wagner.
The family prefers memorials to Salem Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Long Lake American Legion Post No. 276 or Yelduz Shrine Transportation Fund.
Carlsen Funeral Home of Ashley has been entrusted with arrangements.
carlsenfh.com