Jerome H. Fischer, 89, of Hospers, IA died Saturday, June 13, 2026.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 20, 2026 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Hospers, IA, with Fr. Daniel Greving officiating. Burial will follow at St. Anthony Cemetery in Hospers. Visitation with family present will be Friday from 4-6 p.m.; there will be a Vigil Prayer Service at 5 p.m. all at the church in Hospers. Visitation will resume from 9:30-10:15 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Services have been entrusted to Fisch Funeral Home & Monument in Remsen, IA. www.fischfh.com

Jerome Henry Fischer, the son of Fred and Magdalena (Friedrich) Fischer was born May 17, 1937 in Hospers, Iowa where he was raised near Hospers and educated at St. Anthony Catholic School.

On January 23, 1965, he married Rita Jochum, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Alton, IA. Once married, the couple settled on a farm near Hospers. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work, raising five children, and creating a legacy that continues through future generations.

Jerome farmed land by his in-laws near Alton, IA, from 1965 until 2004. In addition to farming, he worked at BioZyme Incorporated in Hospers from 1965 until his retirement in 2002. He continued working part-time at BioZyme for several years following his retirement.

Jerome was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Hospers and dedicated countless hours in service to his parish. He served as past President of the St. Anthony Church Advisory Board, and was a Eucharistic Minister. He also assisted with decorating the church for holy days and for carefully polishing candle holders and chalices for many years. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Jerome enjoyed baseball, especially following Spalding Catholic athletics and cheering on the Minnesota Twins. He was known for his strong work ethic, and he loved farming. He also loved time with his family and giving tractor rides to his grandchildren on his beloved Oliver tractor. He rarely missed a grandchild's activity or event and took immense pride in the accomplishments of his family. Jerome often shared how proud he was that all of his children attended Catholic grade school, high school, and college and were working in their chosen fields of study. Jerome also had a sweet tooth and never passed up Rita's homemade baked goods, or the chance at a good meal and dessert. After retirement he enjoyed having coffee with the guys. His generous spirit was evident through his donation of more than ten gallons of blood to the Siouxland Blood Bank over the years.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Rita Fischer of Hospers, IA; five children, Fred (Tracy) Fischer of Clive, IA, Kay (Richard) Elsbernd of Ossian, IA, Jean Fischer of Spencer, IA, Kristie (Tim) Hough of Algona, IA, and David (Erin) Fischer of Tinley Park, IL.

He is also survived by eleven grandchildren, Eric (Carolyn) Fischer of West Des Moines, IA, Mark Fischer and fiancée Meagan Helton of Tucson, AZ, Ryan (Riley) Fischer of West Des Moines, IA, Alex Fischer of Des Moines, IA, Julissa Elsbernd of Decorah, IA, Anthony Elsbernd of Ossian, IA, Carolyn Hough of Algona, IA, Lucas Hough of Corwith, IA, and Ava Hough of Ames, IA, and Mary Jo Fischer and Patrick Fischer, both of Tinley Park, IL.

Jerome was blessed with four great-grandchildren, Charlie Fischer, Campbell Fischer, Jack Fischer, and Tatum Elsbernd.

He is also survived by his brother, Harold (Ardell) Fischer of Fulda, MN; sisters-in-law, Yvonne Fischer of Rock Valley, IA, Martha Jochum of Alton, IA, Loretta Murphy of Burnsville, MN, and Lorraine Fischer of Granville, IA; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Magdalena Fischer; his parents-in-law, Hugo and Josephine Jochum; daughter, Julie Fischer; granddaughter, Kerry Fischer; brothers, John (Catherine) Fischer, Frederick Fischer, and Gerald Fischer; sisters, Roseanne (Firmin) Goebel, Christine (Donald) Sauer, Rosella Fischer, and Marian Fischer; sisters-in-law, Agnes (Vincent) Beyer, Hilda (Elmer) Rolfes, and Evelyn (Robert) Fischer; and brother-in-law, Roy Murphy.

Casket bearers will be Eric Fischer, Ryan Fischer, Alex Fischer, Lucas Hough, Anthony Elsbernd, Patrick Fischer.

Honorary casket bearers will be Mark Fischer, Julissa Elsbernd, Carolyn Hough, Ava Hough, Mary Jo Fischer.