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Debra Lynne Fischer, 63, of Branson, Missouri, died of complications from infection on Jan. 9, 2023, at Cox South Medical Center in Springfield, Missouri.
Deb was born on Jan. 4, 1960, the first child of William and Maxine (Bunk) Fischer in Belmond. Deb grew up in Meservey and attended Meservey-Thornton schools. She was known as an excellent musician, accompanying school choirs and serving as an organist at the First Reformed Church. She first served as organist for a wedding when she was only 12 years old.
After high school, she attended the University of Northern Iowa and Wartburg College, earning a degree in music education, and later worked toward a masters degree at Hamline University.
Deb taught at Goldfield, Twin Rivers of Bode, Meservey-Thornton, SC-MT and spent most of her career at Creston, teaching band and choir at every level from beginner through high school. She served as the director for the school’s musical productions and was known to pour her heart into helping her students find the love of music that she had. It wasn’t unusual for her to meet with students at 6:30 a.m. and still be there until well after 10 p.m. during musical season, loving every minute of it.
Deb also served as guest conductor and adjudicator at various regional honor bands and music contests. After the 2015-16 school year, Deb retired from teaching and moved to Branson, Missouri. She loved her lakeside home off of Table Rock Lake, the natural beauty of the area, watching deer and other wildlife and enjoying music from across the cove from her sunroom. She enjoyed going to shows and became good friends with many local performers.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 6 at the First Reformed Church in Meservey with gravesite service and luncheon following. In addition, a remembrance gathering for coffee, refreshments and fellowship will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 11 at the Sunset Cove Condominiums in Branson.
Her family loves hearing from her many friends and former students. Cards and remembrances can be sent to Deb Fischer 223802 Lady Slipper Lane, Wausau, WI 54401