HONORING A LIFE OF SERVICE

How do you measure the life of a man who was seemingly larger than life? Is it in years served or games coached? Concessions sold or pregame speeches delivered? Geometry lessons taught or tutoring hours logged?

For Dick Fischer ‘61, it’s all these things and more. Mr. Fischer or “Mr. Pius”, as some would say, wore many different hats during his tenure here. From his beginnings as a studentathlete and member of Future Teachers of America, to coach, teacher, and fundraiser, Dick exemplified Pius’ core values of service and excellence in everything he did during his 60 plus years at Pius XI.

“His absolute passion and love for Pius XI is remarkable,” shared Joel Claassen who, as the new 6’5” teacher, was recruited by Dick to coach basketball on his first day in 1980. “Everywhere you walk in that building, there’s Dick Fischer. From the classrooms to the fieldhouse to the PAC, he made an impact”.

Dick was named by the Pius Journal as one of the top ten athletes his senior year, having been co-captain of the 1960 football team and a State discus champion in 1961. He began his coaching and teaching career at Pius XI in 1966 and, over the course of the decades that followed, coached football, boys’ and girls’ basketball, track, girls’ soccer, and cross country. His head coaching accolades include seven state championships, ten conference championships, and an astounding 116-4 record in basketball from 1980-1984. Claassen commented that despite all of Dick’s coaching accolades, perhaps his biggest accomplishment in athletics was his advocacy for women’s sports.

“He was quietly one of the pioneers of girls athletics here in Wisconsin,” said Joel. “He chose to get involved when not many successful coaches dared to do it”.

Fischer taught math, science, and theology, and also served five years in Development and nine years as Athletic Director. He spent countless hours tutoring students and is remembered by many for his words of encouragement, constant support, and never-ending belief in their capabilities.

“I will always remember the life lessons he taught me,” remarked James Arnold ‘16. He characterized Dick as “the greatest tutor/mentor a teen in my shoes could have” and added, “I’ll always remember the knowledge and help he gave me every morning. He’d get me breakfast before we started our tutoring sessions. I can’t say I would’ve made it through high school without him”. Roger Radke ‘74, who first knew Dick as his TAC teacher and grew to know him as a colleague, mentor, and friend, believes it’s the opportunities that Dick created for others that tops the list of his greatest accomplishments. He wanted each person to see their potential, work hard, and achieve the success that was meant for them. He took great joy in watching how transformative a Pius XI education could be in shaping lives, just as it did for him.

“He was always opening doors for people and he got great joy out of watching them benefit from those doors he opened,” said Roger. “It’s no wonder he wanted to usher the lines at graduation every year; he wanted to see the students walk across that stage. He was so proud of them”.

The Dick Fischer & Mary Riegert Endowment Fund has been established to ensure that Dick’s legacy lives on and that doors continue to be opened for current and future Popes by providing tuition assistance to families who want the same Pius XI experience that Dick valued.

- Dick Fischer, reflecting upon being honored for 50 years of service at the 2016 commencement