Joan Fisher

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Download the booklet for the Mass of Christian Burial as a PDF.

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Sister Joan Fisher, CSA, formerly known as Sister Peter Damian, died peacefully at St. Francis Home, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, on January 11, 2022.

Joan was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, on September 1, 1932, to Charles William Fisher and Harriet Landreman.  One of eight children, two boys and six girls, Joan grew up on her family farm near Lamartine, Wisconsin.

Joan entered St. Agnes Convent in 1951 and made her profession of vows in the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes as Sister Peter Damian on August 15, 1953.

Throughout her years in active ministry, Sister Joan was a dedicated and energetic teacher and educational administrator. She received a BS in Education from Marian College of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, an MS in Education from St. Francis College in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and an MS in Administration from Clarke College, Dubuque, Iowa.  She also enrolled in post graduate studies in Catholic Leadership and Educational Administration at Boston College, Boston, Massachusetts. Sister Joan taught elementary grades, 5-8, in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Kansas from 1953–1972. Beginning in 1972, she served as principal and administrator of schools in Wisconsin, including the Consolidated Parochial Elementary School (CPES), Marytown area, now known as Holyland Catholic School, and in rural Kansas. She also devoted time as an office manager and librarian in diocesan offices and schools where needed.

In 1988, Sister Joan moved to New Mexico where she engaged in various ministries among the Native American peoples of the area. She did mission work at St. Berard Mission in Navajo; was principal of St. Theresa of Avila School in Grants; taught at St. Joseph Mission School in San Fidel and at New Mexico State University. In 2003, Sister Joan returned to Fond du Lac and supervised student teachers for Marian College. 

Sister Joan was known for her love of classical music and for playing the piano. She actively participated in community choral groups in the local settings where she lived. On her return to Fond du Lac, she joined the South Shore Chorale and was a member of the Joyful Spirit Ensemble, a choir that served at Holy Family Parish, St. Francis Home, and St. Agnes Convent.

In March 2008, Sister Joan joined the local community of sisters at Nazareth Court and Center in Fond du Lac. A fond memory of that time is Sister Joan playing the piano in the Fireside Room to entertain the sisters and staff as they passed through. With her health declining, Sister Joan was moved to St. Francis Home in April 2013. There, she received loving care until the time of her death.

Sister Joan was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers William and Chester (infant), and her sisters Margaret (infant), Gladys Marggi, and Marian Kettenbiel.

Sister Joan is survived by her sisters Agnes Breitzman and Harriet Weisenberger, her nieces and nephews, and the Sisters of St. Agnes, with whom she lived, prayed, and ministered.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 18, 2022, from 9:00 -11:00 a.m. and 12:00-1:30 p.m. at Nazareth Court and Center, 375 Gillett Street, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.  A Prayer Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Nazareth Center Chapel. Please check in for the Visitation and Prayer Service at the 375 Gillett Street entrance only.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Francis Home Chapel, 33 Everett Street, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.  Father James Leary, Capuchin, will be the presider. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Springs Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the CSA Mission Advancement Office, 320 County Road K, Fond du Lac, WI 54937.

The Sisters of St. Agnes are grateful to the nurses and staff of Nazareth Court and Center, St. Francis Home, and Hospice Hope for their devoted care of Sister Joan.

Zacherl Funeral Home is serving the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes.