Selma "Sally" Fischer

Selma Malitha (Schaeffer) Fischer was born on January 11, 1923 to Wilhelm and Anna (Bender) Schaeffer.  She was born on the family farm located 11 miles southeast of Menno, South Dakota.    Selma was baptized on May 12, 1923 at Saron Reformed Church by Rev. Rittershaus.  Along with seven brothers and two sisters, the family worshipped regularly at Saron Reformed Church located one mile south of their homestead.  She was instructed in the Heidelberg Catechism and confirmed by Rev. Bodenman at Salem Reformed Church in Menno.  She attended Ulmer School District in Hutchinson County located two miles northwest of their homestead.  She completed the eight grades required.  Later in life, she took the GED test to acquire a high school diploma.

After her mother passed away at a young age, she stayed home and raised her siblings.  She was married on March 16, 1952 to Emil Fischer at the Salem Reformed Church in Menno by Rev. Kaempchen. They farmed until 1979 when they moved into Menno.

Selma (Sally) worked as a housekeeper at the Menno-Olivet Care Center for 20 years.  She was a member of the MOCC Auxiliary from the beginning until it dissolved after 30+ years.  She served on the board and volunteered for many functions and fundraisers.

Emil and Sally were members of Grace Lutheran Church in Menno. Sally taught Sunday School, attended Bible Study, sang in the choir, and was a member of the Women's Auxiliary.

Emil and Sally had two children, Thomas Robert Fischer and Carol Ann (CJ) Fischer.  Sally was determined to keep her family peaceful and faithfully serving their Lord Jesus.

She loved gardening and her flowers, loved the outdoors and nature and loved to visit with neighbors.

Sally is survived by her children, Thomas (Cindy) Fischer of Menno, SD and CJ Fischer (Jan Eric Christopherson) of Citrus Heights, CA; grandchildren:  Dustin Fischer of Sioux Falls, SD and Derek Fischer of Menno, SD and great-grandchildren, Aubrianna and Graydon of Sioux Falls, SD; one sister, Geraldine (Amos) Schultz of Menno, SD, four brothers: Alfred (Leona) Schaeffer of Menno, SD, Gideon (Mary Jane) Schaeffer of Tucson, AZ, John (Darleen) Schaeffer of Grimes, IA, and Victor (Darlene) Schaeffer of Yankton, SD; two sisters-in-law:  Harriet Schaeffer of Menno, SD, and June Schaeffer of Green Bay, WI; other relatives and friends.

Sally was preceded in death by her husband, Emil Fischer; parents, Wilhelm and Anna Schaeffer; infant brother, Johannes Schaeffer; brothers:  Elton Schaeffer, Arnold Schaeffer and Marvin Schaeffer; sister and brother-in-law:  Verina and Elton Tiede; and sisters-in-law:  Virginia "Ginny" Schaeffer, Lelia Schaeffer and Bonnie Schaeffer.

Memorials may be given in the name of Selma (Sally) Fischer to: Grace Lutheran Church, 511 S. Pine Street, Menno, SD  57045; St. Dysmas of South Dakota, 1300 E. 10th Street, Sioux Falls, SD  57103-1779 or Union Gospel Mission, 701 E. 8th Street, Sioux Falls, SD  57103-1632.