Dr. Dirk Fisher of Appleton passed away Wednesday, April 26, 2023. He was 69 years young. Dirk was born on Sept. 9, 1953, in Rhinelander, to the late Joseph and Mary Alice Fisher. He grew up in Rhinelander, and graduated as valedictorian from Rhinelander Union High School in 1971. He earned a Zoology degree, Phi Beta Kappa, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dirk had a natural passion to care for others and went on to earn a Medical Degree in Urology with honors from the University of Wisconsin, go Bucky! Dirk's first urology position after residency was in Sheboygan. In 1986 he moved to Appleton to practice medicine at St. Elizabeth's Hospital. Dirk was an outstanding doctor, helping thousands of patients throughout his 33-year career. He was the definition of bedside manner and all of his patients absolutely loved him. He was a member of the UW-Madison Medical Alumni Board and traveled to conferences to mentor medical students.
On June 12, 1976, Dirk married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Maureen Phelan, in Rhinelander. They were best friends and found happiness in making each other laugh. They had three children, Brent of Madison, Brad of De Forest, and Rachel of Wauwatosa. Dirk was an amazing father and so loved by his children. His family was the greatest joy of his life and he loved them unconditionally. He was an authentic, humble, kind person who was full of life and always put others before himself. He was quick to laugh, told many goofy jokes, and liked making people smile. He loved the natural world and the outdoors, especially being with his family and friends at his cottage on Lone Pine Lake in northern Wisconsin. He enjoyed hiking, fishing, golfing, traveling, and good conversation with people.
Dirk explored almost all 50 states and several countries abroad. He was proud of his humble beginnings and to be a Rhinelander Hodag. As a UW-Alumni he was a huge fan of the Wisconsin Badgers sports teams.
Dirk is survived by his wife, Maureen and his children: Brent, Rachel, and Brad and his wife Emily. He is also survived by his brother, Steve (Evie) Fisher of Wausau, as well as brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Mark, and Maureen's parents, Richard and Dorothy Phelan.
A visitation will be held Friday, May 12, 2023, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N Superior Street, Appleton. Friends and family may gather again on Saturday May 13, 2023, at St Pius X Catholic Church, 500 W Marquette Street, Appleton from 9 a.m. until the start of Mass at 11 a.m. Please plan to join the family for a time of sharing stories and fellowship following mass in the parish hall. Dirk will be laid to rest at St Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Appleton.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to NAMI Fox Cities or ZERO-the End of Prostate Cancer or to the charity of your choice in Dirk's memory.
For additional information or to share a story, please see Dirk's page at wichmannfuneralhomes.com
Reader Comments
Posted: Monday, May 8, 2023
Article comment by:
don combs
I grew up a few houses away from the Fisher family and was closer in age to Steve. I remember the family as a close and caring family and I am not surprised that Dirk went on to become a good husband and father. My condolences to the family.
Posted: Sunday, May 7, 2023
Article comment by:
Steve Woita
My deepest sympathies on Dirk�s death. Such great memories growing up together in Rhinelander. May the Lord Jesus Christ hold you close to His heart as you grieve. Pastor Steve Woita, Rockford, Illinois
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