Marie Fischer

Marie Ann McKay Fischer, 77, of Crosslake passed away on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at the University of Minnesota Hospital. Marie was born at home in Oak Lawn Township to Margaret and George McKay on July 5, 1942. A graduate of Washington High School, Brainerd and the University of Minnesota, Marie began her career as a University of Minnesota Extension Home Agent in International Falls, MN. Marie married David Fischer in December, 1967. The U.S. Army quickly fulfilled David’s promise to Marie of being able to move to a warmer climate, with an assignment to Hawaii. As a “Trailing Expat Spouse”, Marie was always open to horizon-expanding adventures which included living seven years in São Paulo, Brazil, five years in Brussels, Belgium and numerous foreign travels. During these overseas assignments, Marie was involved in many volunteer activities from tutoring “English as a Second Language” middle school students at Escola Graduada de São Paulo, to organizing Belgian Beer Tasting Classes at the American Women's Club of Brussels. Marie enjoyed reading and always had a book close at hand, often as part of a book club discussion. A life-long Presbyterian, Marie served as a Ruling Elder, Clerk of Session and on the Mission to the USA Committee of the Michigan/Ohio Synod of the Covenant, which brought international clergy and lay leaders to the USA to spend time in local Presbyterian churches. After retirement, Marie and David returned to Minnesota in 2002. With her long-standing interest in quilting, Marie quickly became involved in the Camp Knutson Quilt Auction. Marie chaired the Quilt Auction volunteer committee for 15 years; during her tenure, the Auction raised over $750,000 for the Camp. Marie was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband David; daughter Alise Fischer (Robert Quinlan), Longwood FL; sons Craig Fischer (Vicu Ralphs), Henderson, NV; and Eric Fischer (Megan Busby), Newport News, VA. She is also survived by her sisters, Barbara McKay, Ann Schramm and Amy Schreier, and brothers Richard McKay and Robert McKay. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Crosslake Presbyterian Church. Family and friends will gather for visitation at Halvorson-Taylor Life Events Center, Brainerd, Friday, November 22, 2019 from 4-7 p.m. and also at the church for one hour prior to services on Saturday. Memorials are suggested to Camp Knutson, Crosslake, MN. Caring for Marie and her family Halvorson Taylor Funeral Home Brainerd 218 829 3581