JOYCE ELAYNE FISCHER
Joyce Elayne Fischer, born September 5, 1947, in DeKalb, IL, passed away Saturday, July 28, 2007 at Hospice House in Kansas City. Married 41 years to Ron Fischer, they made their home in Olathe, KS for the past 25 years, having also lived in Mendota and Great Lakes IL, Ames and Waterloo, IA, and Kenosha, WI.
Joyce graduated from Mendota High School in 1965 and eventually entered careers in marketing and sales, motivational speaking, and ministry development. She was well-known in Olathe for her work in the Olathe Chamber of Commerce, Ambassadors, and development of outreaches for the homeless. She spent her final years working with the Salvation Army and Interfaith Hospitality Network from her post as Directory of Ministry Development at Olathe Evangelical Covenant Church.
The second daughter of Harvey and Olive Rose Engle, she was regarded by all who knew her as a compassionate and generous woman of faith who survived a life-threatening battle with Merkel Cell cancer four years ago. Upon recovery, she returned to ministry among the homeless and disenfranchised, inspiring many other to selfless acts of service. To her family she was a devoted wife, loving mother, fun grandmother, encouraging sister, caring daughter, and faithful friend.
Joyce was preceded in death by her father, Harvey William Engle, and three premature children. She is survived by her husband, Ron, sons Brian and Kurt, grandchildren Brianna, Zachary, Marah, Faira, and Ben; mother Olive Rose Engle of Sun Lakes, AZ; sisters Janet Burns of Sun Lakes, AZ and Jean Rice of Manitou Springs, CO; brothers Dale Engle of Panora, IA and Duane Engle of St. Paul, MN; 15 nephews and nieces and 11 great nephews and nieces.
The family extends gratitude to the staff of Hospice House, congregation of Olathe Covenant Church, and her many friends and associates for the exceptional care, gifts, and prayers during her illness.
Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, July 31 at Olathe Bible Church, followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 1, at Olathe Bible Church. Private burial will precede the memorial service. Memorial contributions may be given to Olathe Evangelical Covenant Church, c/o Joyce Fischer Memorial fund.