Robert Brooks Fischer, Sr.

Robert Brooks Fischer, Sr.

Longtime Valley resident Robert Brooks Fischer, Sr. passed away in his Wasilla home on Oct. 8, 2020, surrounded by his wife, 9 of his children, and many other family members.

Bob was born Nov. 18, 1920 in W. Peabody, MA to Robert O. Fischer and Julia Brooks Fischer at his ancestral home.

Bob joined the Army as part of the 654th Battalion in 1942. He served in the European theater as a human computer making maps and models for the Normandy invasion and also using his surveying skills.

When he returned from the war, he finished his education on the GI Bill at Northeastern University in Boston with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

While surveying in Maine he met his future wife Marion Frances Pelkey. They were married Nov. 8, 1952. They went on to have 10 children.

In 1966 Bob decided to follow his dream of Alaskan living, as he missed the opportunity to help build the Alcan Highway, so Marion packed the kids into a Wise Owl Potato Chip van and away they went. Bob worked for the Alaska Railroad from 1967 to 1982 as a machinist.

In 1968 they moved to 152 acres in Wasilla on the Little Su River, where he passed away.

In his retirement he enjoyed traveling, playing his fiddle, working in the woods, puttering with engines, and visiting with his family. Articulate and well informed on a great many subjects, he loved meeting and talking to new people. He could find a point of connection with all those who came into his life.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Pamela Fischer and Katherine Aylward.

He is survived by Marion, his wife of 68 years.

He leaves behind 10 children, Robert Jr. (Minnie), Adele, Duane (Debbie), Linda (Bill), Althea (Kurt), Reginald (Rhonda), Elwyn, Lincoln (Debi), Glenn (Rachel), Lorna (Cris), as well as 19 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind two nieces, Janet White and Julie Aylward. He will be sadly missed by family and friends.

Bob Fischer was buried on his property Oct. 10th in a private family gathering. His six sons were his pallbearers. A memorial service is planned for Friday, Oct. 16th, 5pm at Wasilla Bible Church. There will be a potluck following the service.