Joanne G. Fischer age 81, of Sleepy Eye, MN died on May 11, 2021, at Oak Hills Living Center in New Ulm.

Funeral Service will be held at the Faith United Methodist Church, Sleepy Eye, on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 1:00 pm.

Visitation will be held at the church 2 hours prior to the funeral.

Covid-19 rules and regulations will be followed including social distancing and use of masks.

The clergy will be Rev. Dr. Gerhardt Miller.

Interment will be at the Home Cemetery in Sleepy Eye.

Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Joanne G. Fischer was born on April 21, 1940 on a farm near Ruthton, MN to Joseph & Anne (Osenga) VanderPlaats. She attended Holland Christian School and graduated from Verdi High School. She worked various office jobs after high school. Joanne married Lester Fischer on April 14, 1960 at Christian Reform Church in Holland, MN. They lived in the Pipestone area building and remodeling homes. In 1966 Lester and Joanne moved to Sleepy Eye. Joanne worked at Sleepy Eye Public Elementary for 8 years and Bolton and Menk for 21 years. She retired in 2003. Her hobbies included gardening, reading, being involved with church groups and spending time with her grandchildren & great-grandchildren. She was a member of Faith United Methodist Church.

She is survived by her son, Larry Fischer of Sleepy Eye, grandson, Randy (Candice) Fischer of Sleepy Eye, granddaughter, Kirstie (Dustin) Hillesheim of New Ulm, great-grandchildren, Rylan, Max, Natalie and Brycen, sister, Tracy Dekam of Ruthton, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lester in 1993, son, Steven in 1989, sisters, Betty (Paul) Devries, Clarene (Jake) Burgers & Nettie Fieldhouse, brothers, Perry & Andrew VanderPlaats.