Joanne G (Heckmann) Fischer, age 82, of Spring, TX, passed away on February 9, 2023 at Autumn Leaves of Cypresswood memory care and was too early for the Rapture.  Joanne was born July 5th, 1940 in Merrill, WI, daughter of the late Martin and Gladys (Richmond) Heckmann.  Joanne fell in love with Ronald Fischer, a neighbor, high school sweetheart. Joanne and her brother Bill moved to town when Joanne was thirteen and Ronny was eleven with Bill being his best friend. The two exchanged vows on August 24, 1963, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill, WI and on August 24, 2013, repeated their 50 ^th vows at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill, WI.

Joanne graduated from Trinity Lutheran school in 1955 and had a deep belief in the Bible.  She was very devoted to knowing her memory verses and she is believed to be the first 8 ^th grade student from Trinity School to be a Sunday School teacher for Trinity Lutheran Church Merrill.  Joanne graduated from Merrill Senior High School in 1959. She worked at Weinbrenner  shoe factory until marriage and then worked for the Wisconsin Conservation Department as secretary to the President at Madison, WI while her husband went to school.  After her husband graduated, she became a mother to their children in seven different states. 1st was Indianapolis, Indiana for four years, 2 ^nd was Roxana, Illinois for two years,  3 ^rd was Indianapolis, Indiana for 6 months, 4 ^th was Kalamazoo, Michigan for 2 years, 5 ^th was Midland Texas for 4 years, 6 ^th was New Orleans, La for 8 years, then 7 ^th location was to take Ronny from the field to the head office in Houston, TX for 19 years with retirement 20 years ago for Ron. Joanne and Ron became an empty nester in 2011 in Spring, TX.

Joanne's love of the Lord was very evident in the way they raised their 4 children.  Joanne always kept God and Christian values at the core of everything in their home and daily lives.  The love of the Lord passed on through their children so much so that it even encouraged one of the spouses to become saved early on in their relationship.  Joanne loved teaching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren about the Bible and loved telling the story of Jesus' birth on Christmas Day and His resurrection on Easter.  Those are all stories that will continue throughout generations to come.

Joanne has always been a very faithful servant of the LORD. She taught Sunday school through her years in the New Orleans area (Slidell).  Then she concentrated on her own grandchildren and great grandchildren by babysitting them while the parents worked. It was a great joy and fulfillment to relate JESUS to whoever she met. An example is during thanksgiving to distribute fourteen pumpkin cheesecake pies to neighbors.

Joanne is survived by her husband of 59 years Ronald D Fischer. She was fortunate to have our children raised all living within 60 minutes from our home in Spring, TX.  Joanne is survived by three sons raised: Dennis (Jeanie) Fischer of Cypress, TX; Daniel (Holly) Fischer of Tomball, TX and Robert (Katie) Fischer of Spring, TX and one daughter Debra (Bill) Starnes of Washington, TX.  She has six grand children: Victor Anthony Barrera, Abigail Barrera, Robert Fischer, Cole Fischer, twins Cade Fischer and Kinsley Fischer.  She also has two great grandchildren: Brinley Fischer and Bailey Fischer.  She is survived by Brother William (Judy) Heckmann. She is preceded in death by her parents and six half brothers: Carl Prosser, Herbert Prosser, Harold Prosser, Wesley Prosser, Howard Prosser and Lawrence Prosser and one half sister Ethel Mientke .

A celebration of life gathering will be held at Klein Funeral home , 16131 Champion Forest Dr., Spring, TX from 5:00 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2023. Memorials can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Spring TX.

A graveside service performed at their crypt at Memorial Cemetery in Merrill, WI will be held at a later date.

Waid Funeral Home of Merrill, WI is assisting the family with arrangements in Merrill, WI and Klein Funeral home of Champion Forest is assisting the family with arrangements in Spring. Memorials can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 107 N State St., Merrill, WI 54452 or Trinity Lutheran Church, 5201 Spring Cypress Rd, Spring, TX 77379.