Robert David Fisher

Robert David Fisher, 92, of Goshen, died Wednesday, January 26, 2011, at his daughter’s home. He had been ill for several months. He was born November 25, 1918, to the late D.J. and Ida (Miller) Fisher near Kalona, Iowa.  A 1937 graduate of Sharon Center High School, he enjoyed taking some Bible courses at Goshen College one winter. He married Rachel Swartzendruber, in Wellman, Iowa, on January 3, 1942.  On July 16, 1942, he was drafted and was sent to Henry, Illinois, as a Conscientious Objector.  He also served at Downey, Idaho, and Ypsilanti State Hospital, Michigan.  After receiving his discharge papers, he and Rachel were volunteers with Mennonite Central Committee from 1946-48 in Belgium and Poland, distributing food and clothing to the needy following World War II.  He then returned to the farm near Iowa City, Iowa for 10 years where their four children were born.  From there they moved to Scottdale, Pennsylvania, where he worked at the Mennonite Publishing House for 13 years.  He also worked at Mennonite Mutual Aid, Goshen and Goshen General Hospital where he retired in 1993. He is survived by his wife, Rachel; daughters, Julie (Ray) Profeto of Goshen, and Suzette (Lenny) Prokopin of Moreno Valley, California; a son, David (Joyce) Fisher of Grottoes, Virginia.; four grandsons, a step-great-granddaughter; sisters, Ruth Fisher of Kalona, Iowa, and Virginia Hershberger of Goshen; a brother, Wallace Fisher of Wellman, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Lowell in 2008; sisters, Mabel Mininger, Emma Maust, Lois Yoder, and Pauline Maust: and brothers, Ralph and Clifford, Fisher. Robert was a member of College Mennonite Church, Goshen. He enjoyed music, including hymns, classical music and opera.  He was an excellent woodworker and made many pieces of furniture and approximately 100 cradles.  He enjoyed needlework and was working on quilt top #13.  He donated two of his quilts to the Mennonite Relief Sale and another one to the Mennonite Historical Library.  He enjoyed yard work and flowers, and donated his time planting flower beds at Goshen College for a number of years. His body has been given to Indiana University School of Medicine.  Friends may call 1-3 and 5-7 p.m., Saturday, January 29, in the Koinonia Room at College Mennonite Church.  A 4:00 p.m., Sunday, January 30, 2011,  memorial service will be held at the church.  Revs. Betty Hochstetler and Ron Kennel  will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the College Mennonite Church Jubilee Fund, 1900 S. Main, Goshen, IN 46526. Yoder-Culp Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.