Theresa Fischer

Theresa Agnes (Guetter) Fischer, age 98, of Wabasso died on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 under the care of River Valley Health and Rehab and CentraCare Hospice. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 28, 2026 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Wabasso with visitation one hour prior to the Funeral Mass. Burial will take place at St. Anne’s Catholic Cemetery in Wabasso. Theresa lived 98 years filled with hard work, deep faith and quiet strength. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Theresa was born May 21, 1927, the youngest of 12 children of Joseph and Amelia (Hoffman) Guetter. She attended school through the 8th grade, graduating in June of 1941. Her early years were spent helping on the family farm, tending animals, vegetable and flower gardens and cooking and baking. On February 26, 1946 Theresa married Leonard “Lenny” Fischer at St. Anne’s in Wabasso. They met at a dance in Wanda. Waltzing with him led to a life together on a farm near Wabasso, where long days were measured by the season, faith and family. They were blessed with nine children, and raised a niece, Jeanette (Guetter) Brand from age five to adulthood. Theresa was busy as a wife and mother, cooking, gardening, canning, raising chickens, ducks and geese, and generally helping with many farm chores. Her love of gardening was passed on to many of her children. She was active in the Christian Mothers group and was a long-time secretary of the local Catholic United Financial Association. After Lenny was involved in a farm accident in 1979, Theresa provided total care for him in their home until his death in 1988. Theresa then started working in the Nursing Home at Wabasso and eventually Lamberton in the dietary department, retiring at age 80. She delighted in her cat companions over the years: Duchess, Tucker I and II. Theresa was a wonderful cook and baker. Her children loved her homemade kuchen, fresh bread, buns, and cinnamon rolls. Favorite German dishes included sauerkraut and dumplings, hot German potato salad and potato pancakes. She also created many embroidered linens, especially pillowcases and dishcloths. Her children, grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren were her pride and joy. Theresa lived a life of service and care for others in all facets of her life: family, faith community and work life.

Theresa is survived by her children: Mary Fischer, Barb Fischer, George (Kathy) Fischer, Susan Fischer, Steve (Gail) Fischer, Kathy (Kurt Hansberry) Fischer, Judy Fischer, Anne (Steve) Bethke and Terri (Scott) Emmons; sisters-in-law: Janie Lensing and Monica Fischer; twenty-one grandchildren; twenty-seven great-grandchildren with another due in May; and three great-great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Leonard; parents and all of her siblings.

 May she rest in the peace of Christ.