Elmer E. Fischer

Elmer Ernst Fischer, age 90, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 10, 2024. He was born on August 13, 1933, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Elmer H. and Sylvia Boyd Fischer. Elmer was preceded in death by his parents and his previous wife, Joann Fais Fischer. He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Sandy, and cherished by his stepdaughters: Patti Lewis, Pamela Watts, Paula Hoover (Aaron), Tasana Foreman (Nick), Sharon Pontius (Rich), Susan Moore (Marty), as well as grandchildren Natalie Lewis, Claire Lewis, Nathan Hoover, Kaitlyn Hoover, Piper Foreman, Gavin Foreman, Brian Moore, Katie Adams, Dana Watts, and Lisa Pontius. He also leaves behind 5 great-grandchildren and special cousins.

Elmer graduated from Western Hills High School and earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Cincinnati. Initially working as a packaging engineer for the Kroger Company, he later attended the Pittsburgh Guild for the Blind after losing his eyesight. Undeterred, he returned to the University of Cincinnati where he earned both his Masters and Doctorate degrees. Elmer went on to found the Cincinnati Radio Reading Service and served as the Radio Reading Service coordinator for the state of Ohio.

Elmer's life was a testament to resilience and determination. Despite his blindness, he lived by the motto "never give up." His adventurous spirit led him to climb Mount Le Conte, bowl a near-perfect game, drive a combine, ice skate, and represent the United States in Cross Country skiing in Norway. However, his greatest passion was singing. He performed on the Bob Braun show, sang the National Anthem for the Cincinnati Bengals, Cincinnati Reds, Columbus Crew, and Columbus Clippers, and lent his voice to numerous churches.

Described as gentle, kind, smart, and possessing a fantastic sense of humor, Elmer cherished time spent with his family. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 2:00 pm at Overbrook Presbyterian Church, 4131 N. High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214, with a reception to follow. A private graveside service will be held at Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Pilot Dogs in his memory.