Remembering Jerry Fischer

The Gauverband Nordamerika is mourning the loss of our Gauehrenbibliothekar Jerry Fischer, who passed away on July 8, 2025.

Representing SVEV D'Oberlandler Milwaukee, Jerry was appointed to the newly-created position of Gaubibliothkar at the Delegates Meeting in Buffalo, NY in 1976.  After a short hiatus, he was then elected to that same position in 1980 and remained in that capacity until he retired in 2000.  In total, he spent 22 years in office.

During his tenure, Jerry would tirelessly load the entire library into his van and drive it all across North America so that it could be on display at every Gaufest.  He assisted numerous Vereine by providing copies of music and dance instructions from the library.  Jerry also worked diligently on maintaining the Gautrachtenbuch, which contained photos and descriptions of each Verein's original Tracht.

Jerry was also a Gaurichter.  He was elected to a relatively new panel in 1988, and judged every time that it was asked of him to do so.  In all, he judged six Gruppenpreisplattler before his retirement from the panel in 2008.

In addition, Jerry had a playful sense of humour and found fun in everything he did.  He enjoyed the companionship of his fellow Trachtler, drawing everyone in with his lively personality and infectious laugh.  He was the originator of the "Beaver Club," even giving the club the shirt off his back. (If you were there, you'd understand.)  Even at the Schafkopf table, he brought a smile to his fellow players by declaring he would play with the "Greenie-Weenie".  At our Executive Board Meetings, he always knew what to say to invoke a chuckle, while still being earnest enough to stay focused on the topic of discussion.

On a personal note, I twice had the opportunity to be a guest at his house for the weekend, and he was as gracious a host and friend as he was a dedicated Trachtler.

Our sincerest condolences to his wife Doris, his family, and the entire Oberlandler Verein.

Ruhe in Frieden

Tom Vogt, 1.Gauvorstand