Kenneth "Kenny" A. Fischer

Mr. Fischer will long be remembered in the Belleville community through his association with Fischer’s Restaurant. As a second generation owner/operator, he began his career at the early age of 14 helping his father on the milk truck and Okaw Dairy. The dairy eventually became The Dutch Girl which then evolved into Fischer’s Restaurant, a landmark both in past and present Belleville. Along with his parents Ardell and Inez Fischer, and his brother David, Ken was actively involved with the management and day-to-day operations of the family business for over 70 years.

Outside of the restaurant, Ken’s interest were flying, boating, and traveling. He also served proudly in the United States Marine Corps. One of his great loves was entertaining and he will be fondly remembered for the many wonderful parties he hosted over the years. His friends and acquaintances included Ronald and Nancy Reagan; Phil Donahue; local, state, and federal politicians; sports figures; and celebrities from many different areas of the entertainment world.

Mr. Fischer also served the city of Belleville as a former Police and Fire Commissioner. Of all his accomplishments, the one he was most proud of and took the most joy in was that of his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ardell C. and Inez L., nee LeTempt, Fischer; and an infant daughter, Margaret Ann Fischer.

He is survived by his former wife, Eileen M, nee Egner, Fischer of Belleville; 4 daughters, Mary Kathleen (Ron) Bingheim of Belleville, Barbara (Howard) Laidlaw, of Fairview Heights, Lauren Hahne of Belleville, and Annette (Ed) Allan of Caseyville; 9 grandchildren, Bryan Bingheim, Meagen (Kyle) Holtman, Jamie (Justin) Dominique, Elliott Hogue, Christopher Hahne, Michaela Hogue, Cassandra Yates, Holly Hahne, and Samuel Hogue; 7 great-grandchildren, Caleb and Alexis Yates, Madeleine and Chase Dominique; and Reese, Brynn, and Tessa Holtman; 2 brothers, David A. (Pat) Fischer of Windsor, Col. and Stephen E. (Connie) Fischer of Swansea, Ill; a very special friend and person in his life, Corea Buck; 3 kind and loving caregivers, Allen Irby, Carnis Hoffman, and Denisa Scott; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

The family would also like to acknowledge the hundreds of associates of the restaurant, current and former, who worked for Mr. Fischer for their contribution to the legacy of Fischer’s. Their dedication and professionalism were instrumental to creating a true piece of Belleville’s history.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in his honor may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, the Poor Clare Monastery of Our Lady of Mercy, Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, or Shriner’s Hospital for Children.

Visitation: Friends may call on Sunday, January 24, 2016 from 3pm-8pm at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, 3412 Frank Scott Parkway West, Belleville, IL 62223.

Lying in State: Monday, January 25, 2016, 10am at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 505 Fountains Pkwy, Fairview Heights, IL 62208

Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, January 25, 2016, 11am at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 505 Fountains Pkwy, Fairview Heights, IL 62208

Entombment will be held in Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL.