Rick Lee Fischer, 53

Rick Fischer, 53, of Grangeville, died unexpectedly on Thursday, January 17, 2008, at his Grangeville home.

The second of four children, Rick was born on March 22, 1954 in Clarkston, Washington to Edward and Leota Fischer. The family moved to Grangeville shortly thereafter. Rick graduated from Grangeville High School in 1972, and then served his country in the National Guard from 1972 to 1978.

Four years after graduating, Rick married the love of his life, Gretta Winkler, on February 28, 1976. They were married in Grangeville where they continued to live for the next 32 years.

During his 35 year career, Rick worked at various occupations: Walker’s Solid Waste Collection, Wicke’s Mill, Les Schwab Tire, and Musselman Construction. Most notably, Rick was self employed for the last 25 years. His first business was in construction equipment, which lasted 13 years. His second business was in trucking. He transferred solid waste from Grangeville to Missoula, Montana and Payette, Idaho. After 12 years in this business, he sold it in 2006 so he could spend more time doing what he loved in life.

He was active in Grangeville Border Days for 30 years, serving as President from 1983 to 1984. Border Days was a big part of his life. You would always see him down at the rodeo grounds working in the arena and making the rodeo happen.

Rick worked hard and played hard. He had a love for animals, especially his horses and country music. He often did his horse and dog chores to his favorite “old time” country music, especially Conway Twitty. He loved riding in the mountains and cowboying with the Klement and Marek boys. He loved 4-wheeling, branding calves, raising horses, but most of all, just life in general. He had an infectious laugh and spirit, and he was loved by all who knew him. He was the rock in his family’s life and will be truly missed.

Rick is survived by his wife, Gretta, at the family home; his father and mother, Edward and Leota Fischer of Grangeville; brothers, Terry (Sandy) of Nampa, Idaho, Doug (Colleen) Fischer of Florence, Montana; sister Deanna (Floyd) Hall of Grangeville, and numerous nieces and nephews who meant the world to him.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 21, 2008, from 2:00-8:00 p.m., at the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, January 22, at 10:00 a.m., at the Grangeville Christian Church, with burial to follow at Prairie View Cemetery in Grangeville. Following the graveside services, a reception for family and friends will be held at the Grangeville Eagles Hall.

The family suggests that memorials may be made to the Grangeville Border Days Committee, P.O. Box 74, Grangeville, Idaho 83530, in memory of Rick Fischer.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville.

Send condolences to the family at www.blackmerfuneralhome.com.