May 24, 1932 – October 9, 2024
Andrew “Andy” Fischer, 92, passed away on October 9, 2024, after a brief encounter with cancer. He was surrounded by family at his home south of Eagle Butte.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 2:00 p.m. MDT, Friday, October 18, at All Saints Catholic Church, Eagle Butte. Burial will follow at the Eagle Butte Cemetery, with military honors. Wake service will be 7:00 p.m. MDT, Thursday, October 17, with visitation one hour prior.
Andrew “Andy” Fischer was born on May 24, 1932, to Casper and Katherine (Bosch) Fischer in Dupree. Andy grew up on a homestead in the Eagle Butte area, with seven brothers and three sisters. He attended the Busy Bee School south of Eagle Butte and Eagle Butte High School until the 11th grade when he was supposed to give a speech in class and decided he had better things to do, so he quit school.
One of these better things was to work as a cowboy/ranch hand where he would help wrangle cattle, put up hay and any other requested job for several different people and outfits, including Art Anderson, Joe Gesinger, the Curtis Brothers, and the famous Diamond A Cattle Company. He got to work with his brothers, Eddie, Jimmy, and Leo, and many friends including Everett Hunt.
In 1951, Andy and friend Avin Martin went to the southwest, finding work in various places in Utah and Arizona including cotton fields and a uranium mine. During this time, they also went to work on the Vermejo in New Mexico, which at the time was the largest ranch in the U.S. at over a million acres. When he came back to South Dakota, he sported a fancy blue 1952 Chevy convertible.
Andy enlisted in the Army during the Korean War, and he was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. After his time in service, he moved back home and started his second stint at the Diamond A, followed by a position on the Charley Peterson Ranch in LaPlant.
In about 1958, Andy met Joy Garrett. They got married in Pierre, on September 15, 1962. They welcomed a son Darren, in 1963. Andy, Joy, and Darren moved to an old house on the Cheyenne River, south of Eagle Butte, that was originally owned by the Diamond A Cattle Co. There they worked for Joy’s father, Lee Garrett, on the Circle P Spring Ranch, where they were paid $125 monthly. In 1966 they welcomed their second child, Kevin.
In the early 70’s, due to the creation of the Oahe reservoir and flooding risk, they built a new house on a side hill overlooking the river. Andy lived in this house the rest of his life. He continued to work for Lee until the mid-1970’s, when he bought 50 head of cattle from his brother-in-law and started his own herd.
In 1976 Andy and Joy had a little girl, Donna, who unfortunately passed shortly after birth. Two more boys were born, Tony in 1980, and Jason in 1984. Andy continued ranching, and then decided to start farming in the late 1980’s. He continued farming and ranching until he was over 80 years old.
Through the years, he, Joy and the kids would have fun going to dances, boating, getting together and partying with friends and family.
In addition to farm/ranch life, Andy loved hunting and fishing.
Andy was a fun-loving prankster who had a soft heart and would reach out and help anyone in need.
He was honored by receiving a Lakota name, “Wawōkila Mani,” meaning “Comes Helping as He Walks.” This name was given to him for his many years spent taking care of the Dupris Cemetery located on the family place.
Andy is survived by Joy, his wife of 62 years; their children, Darren (Kathy) of Eagle Butte, Kevin (Jodi) of Piedmont, Tony (Marie) of Rapid City, and Jason of Fort Pierre; grandchildren: Kellie, Korey, Tate, Garrett, Coy, Jakob and Emma; great-grandchildren: Stetson, Logan, Macey, Dayten, and Carver; sibling, Leo (Lois) and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents Casper and Katherine; daughter Donna Sue; sisters: Agnes, Francine and Kathleen; brothers: Willie, Jimmy, Eddie, Jack, Raymond and Tony; and parents-in-law Lee and Ruth Garrett.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations go to St. Jude or another charity.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg is in charge of arrangements.