Robert "Bob" Joseph Fichter

Robert "Bob" Joseph Fichter, 89, passed away on Friday July 12, 2013 surrounded by his family at his home in Lake Delton.He was born on May 6,1924 in Chicago, Illinois as the only surviving son to Joseph Fichter and Bertha (Stevenson) Fichter.Bob was always athletic and played football for Leo High School in Chicago. He attended Michigan State University and enlisted in the Navy Air Force. Bob served his country, in the Pacific, during WWII. Upon completion of his service in the Navy, Bob married Mary Jean Ardery of Pittsburgh. The couple started their sixty-three year marriage in Baraboo, where they raised their family of seven children. Upon moving to Baraboo they became lifelong members of St. Joseph's Catholic Parish.When Bob settled in Baraboo, he also established Fichter Oil. After the close of Fichter Oil in 1960, he began his career as a salesman, which he did until his retirement. Even in his retirement years, Bob's work ethic carried him on to bartending jobs at Noah's Ark, The Great Wolf Lodge, and Moose Jaw Pizza where he worked until April 2013. Bob never met a stranger and took great joy in meeting new people and telling a great story.Bob was an active member of his community. He served as the St. Joseph's football coach, a member of the American Legion, a proud participant of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, a Grand Knight and a Deputy Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus, a Town Supervisor for the Town of Delton, and was even known to play Santa Claus for the local children. He was a lifelong bowler whose commitment to the game earned him a spot in the Baraboo Bowling Association Hall of Fame.Bob will be sorely and desperately missed by his adoring family including wife Mary Jean Fichter, children; Colleen Fichter-McCowan and her ex-husband Tony McCowan , Steve Fichter, Mike and Teri (Ebert)Fichter, Jim Fichter, Rob and Patti ( O'Meara) Fichter, Mary Fichter, and Lisa Fichter, and grandchildren; Mandy McCowan, Emily Fichter, Margaret Fichter, Abby Fichter, Katie Fichter, Stephen Patrick Fichter, Billy Fichter, Riley Fichter and Devin Fichter, great grandson; Wesley Fichter-Mergen and nieces and nephews; Dave Haxby and Paula Polizzi, Hollis Haxby, and Heather (Michael) Zielinski, grand-nephew Jospeh Haxby and his beloved dog, Clancy.The family would like to give special thanks to those who provided health care and support; Dr. Randy Krszjzaniek, his nurse Barb Castle, Hospice nurse Lori Spencer, nurses' aid Stacy Schlender, friend, Carrie Lane and all of the staff involved in Bob's care with United Health Care Hospice. A special thanks also goes out the crew at Moosejaw Pizza for their unwavering friendship and support for Bob throughout his career.A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2013 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church with the Very Reverend Jay Poster officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 19, 2013 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Redlin Funeral Home as well as on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the church. A Knights of Columbus rosary will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Military Rites will be conducted at the church following the mass by the Baraboo Veterans Honor Guard. Private family burial will be held at St. Michael's Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph's School Endowment Fund, St. Vincent de Paul or Home Health United Hospice.