Paul Leo "Papa" Fischer, 60, Sturgis, died Monday, April 23, 2012, at the Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Visitation will be noon until 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 29, 2012, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis. The family will be present from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, April 30, 2012, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Sturgis with Fr. Arnold Kari officiating. Burial with military honors by the Sturgis Veterans Honor Guard will follow at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Paul was born February 28, 1952, at McLaughlin, SD, to Theophil Antone and MaryAnn (Day) Fischer.

While serving in the US Army, Paul received the following decorations; sharpshooter with the M16, expert .45 caliber pistol, Good Conduct Medal (3), National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NCO Professional Development Ribbon.

He married Robyn Schleuning on March 31, 1973, at Sturgis. They truly were best friends.

Following his honorable discharge he attended vocational school and earned a degree in cabinet making.

Paul was diagnosed in 1985 with Hairy Cell Leukemia and was diagnosed in 2008 with Pulmonary Hypertension.

Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Robyn Fischer, Sturgis; three sons, David (Shawn) Fischer, Sturgis, Tim (Keri) Fischer, Sturgis, and Eric (Christina) Fischer, Sturgis; one daughter, Louise (PJ) Leopold, Camp Lejeune, NC; 16 grandchildren, Parker, Cayden, Dominic, Bethany, Jace, Sierra, Dawson, Steven, Lily, Reace, Patrick, Zoey, Hunter, Adalynn, Isabelle, and Conner; sister, Charlotte Thompson, Boise City, OK; and brothers, Jerry Fischer, Rapid City, SD, and Bernard Fischer, Phoenix, AZ.

He was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law, Fritz and Madge Schleuning; sister-in-laws, Betty Schleuning and Adele Fischer; nephew, Tony Schleuning; and a grandson, Mason.

His grandchildren were his pride and joy. The family requests casual attire for the services.

A memorial has been established to benefit Sturgis youth athletics.

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