Joseph Kenneth “Ken” Fischer, 91, of Lincoln, passed away Monday, November 12, 2018. Ken was born March 18, 1927 in St. Edward, Nebraska, the fifth of nine children to Joe and Viola (Fitzsimmons) Fischer.
Ken grew up with his brothers playing 6-man football in St. Edward. In his senior year of high school, he was rated “the best prep ball-toter” in Nebraska. He missed his graduation as he left school early to join the navy where he served in Guam from 1945-46. Upon his return, Ken returned to playing football, this time at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UN-L) where he was the starting quarterback and halfback, lettering in 1948 and 1949. Ken graduated with a degree in Industrial Technology, later earning a Master’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Omaha (UNO).
On August 3, 1954 he married Betty Bard in Wayne, Nebraska. They most recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary.
Ken coached football and taught in Oakland, Chappell, Blair and Grand Island High Schools. His combined record of 214-69-9. In 1978, he coached Grand Island to the Class A State Championship. He also coached and taught at UNO. He finished his career at UN-L as a member of the ’94, ’95, and ’97 Championship staff.
He was inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame in 1995, and the Grand Island Hall of Fame in 2015. He was a member of the State High School Coaches Association. He was both a Head and an Assistant coach of the Nebraska Shrine Bowl. Ken received additional awards throughout his career for which he was very grateful. Ken was a proud member of the American Legion and Cathedral of the Risen Christ.
Ken is survived by his wife Betty, children Julie, Scott, Paul (Liz), Lisa (Tim) Miers and Mary Pat. Grandchildren, Melissa (Tom) Ragland, Ryan (Katie) Forrest and Kenny Paul Fischer. Great-grandchildren, Waylon, Ty and Tucker. As well as many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Bernadine, Donafae and Joan; brothers Cletus and Jerry.
Visitation 5:00-7:00 PM Thursday (11-15-18) at Roper & Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Dr., Concluding with the recitation of the rosary at 7:00 PM.
Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 AM Friday (11-16-18) at The Cathedral of the Risen Christ, 3500 Sheridan Blvd.
Memorials may be given to GIPS Foundation (gimemorialstadium.org), Honorary donations to Ken Fischer or Nebraska Sports Hall of Fame Foundation, 500 Charleston St., Lincoln, NE 68508.