Herman Louis Fischer

MAY 11, 1929 - MARCH 9, 2012

    Herman Louis Fischer was the oldest of three sons born to Ferdinand and Barbara (Leintz) Fischer in Hague, North Dakota.

     He attended Hague schools, was an excellent student and developed a lifelong love of learning. While in high school he played basketball and football.

     Herman also played several musical instruments and sang. By the age of fifteen, Herman made a steady income as a professional musician playing saxophone and upright bass in local dance bands and touring with such luminaries as The Irving Boschee Big Band and The Leo Lipp Orchestra.

     After graduation, HLF enlisted in the Army Air Force Division achieving the rank of Sargent. Following his discharge, Herman pursued a career in education. In college earned two Masters Degrees - one in Biology and the other in Music Education.

     In 1954, Herman met the love of his life, Mary Patricia Bunch through an Army buddy. They married in August 1955, and their only child was born the following year.

    Herman's first teaching assignment was in Zeeland, N.D., where he was also the principal. He and Pat then taught in Underwood and Velva, N.D. before moving to Aptos in 1964. Mr. Fischer accepted the position of Choral MusicDirector at Watsonville High School and remained there until his retirement. His career spanned five decades.

     Over the years, HLF taught biology and general science, band and woodwinds, Girls' and Mixed Choirs, Madrigal Singers, guitar and keyboards.He directed, conducted, and built sets for dozens of musicals. Herman also sang in local Barbershop Quartets.

    Mr. Fischer was a roll model, a mentor and a counselor, and he gave his pupils a love of music and performance, self-confidence, a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

HLF was a positive influence on thousands of lives.

     Herman had many hobbies and interests. He was a master gardener, an heirloom tomato expert, an orchardist and grafter, soup maker, wood craftsman, carpenter, and Mr. Fix-It.He always had a new project going, and liked helping his friends with theirs. He enjoyed camping, fishing, and taking RV trips with Pat. Herman was also dubbed "The Honorary Major of Pleasant Valley".

      Throughout his life, Mr. Fischer was an avid reader and his quest for knowledge never waned. Among his favorite subjects were history, philosophy, science and nature. Herman was so well-versed that he could engage friends and strangers alike in conversation on almost any topic.

      He leaves his daughter Elizabeth Anne, brother Daniel Fischer, nieces and nephews, Sister-In-Law Doris Jeane White (Dean), canine companion Wiggles "Wunderhund" and Minerva "Kitty" Fischer.

     Herman Louis was preceded in death by his wife of fifty six years Mary Patricia, and his mother and father. Brother Robert Leo died just ten days after Herman.

     In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Herman's name to

The Humane Society or The Esophageal Cancer Education Foundation.



A celebration of Herman and Pat's lives will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2012, 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., at the United Presbyterian Church, 112 East Beach Street, Watsonville, California. A potluck reception will be held following the service.

For the complete article see the 09-22-2012 issue.

Click here to purchase an electronic version of the 09-22-2012 paper.

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