Lena Margaret Fisher

Lena Margaret Fisher, 94, of New Dawn Health Care Center in Dover, formerly of New Philadelphia, died peacefully early Wednesday morning, April 14, 2004.Born in Stone Creek on February 25, 1910, she was a daughter of the late Gottlieb Kilchenman and Magdalena Hanni Kilchenman. One of fifteen children reared by her parents, Lena learned early on the value of wholesome family life. Well-known in the Stone Creek Valley as a talented musician, Lena was a member of the Union Grange Orchestra having the ability to play the piano, organ and the accordion. Together with the orchestra, she played for many dances, and also for entertainment in area nursing homes. In the late 1950’s, the orchestra won state recognition for their talent. In addition to her involvement with Grange activities, she was a former member of the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, before moving to New Philadelphia, and joining the Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Mrs. Fisher was also a member of the Old Town Ladies Aid Society, and the Rebecca Sunday School Class at Emmanuel Lutheran. Lena spent most of her life as a homemaker, but briefly dabbled in retail sales at the former Montgomery Wards, Newberry’s and the W.T. Grant stores. Ultimately, she felt called to homemaking on the family farm, which she operated with the help of her late husband, Willis A. Fisher, who preceded her in death in 1990. Together, they raised a family that includes two daughters, Iva Shaw, of Sunbury, OH, and Arlene (James) Sigrist of Sugarcreek; sons Leroy Fisher and Dean (Cheryl) Fisher both of New Philadelphia, Richard (Phyllis)Fisher of Dover, and the late Robert W. Fisher. Survivors also include a sister, Wilma Gopp of Port Charlotte, Fl; a sister-in-law, Mary Kilchenman of Strasburg, and many precious grandchildren, great-grandchildren, step grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to her parents, husband, and son, she was preceded in death by sisters Helen Stalder, Tillie Roth, Laura Angel, Emma, Clara, and Freda Kilchenman; brothers Howard, Charlie, Ernie, Elmer, Bill, and Ed Kilchenman; a grandson, Jeffrey Shaw; and an infant brother. The family invites friends to call Friday evening from 5 to 8 at the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory in New Philadelphia. Pastor Michael E. Walters will lead funeral services Saturday, April 17, 2004 at 1 PM in the funeral home’s chapel. Burial, alongside her husband, will follow at East Avenue Cemetery. A reception will be held at the Shel-Mar pavilion following the committal service. The Fisher family requests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 West Third Street, Dover, OH 44622.