Preston Fischer

Preston Fischer, 76, of Milbank, SD, passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at Milbank Area Hospital – Avera Health in Milbank. 

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank. Pastor Chris Davis will officiate. Visitation will be held on Monday, August 12, 2024, at Mundwiler Funeral Home in Milbank from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Tuesday, one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Milbank City Cemetery. 

Preston David Fischer was born on May 11, 1948, to Marcus and Dorothy (Schultz) Fischer in Milbank, SD. He was baptized at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank. He attended Kilborn Country School through the seventh grade and later graduated from Wilmot High School with the Class of 1966.

Preston joined the 740th National Guard in Milbank, attended summer camp, and in the fall, he pursued Auto Mechanics at North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND. After completing his education, he worked at Jay Klein Chevrolet in the Twin Cities, MN. During this time, he was dating Carol Jean Kallstrom, who also worked in the cities. They both wished to leave the city life after getting married.

Preston and Carol were united in marriage on September 5, 1970, in Milbank, SD. Upon returning to Milbank, Preston worked at Chuck Porter Chevrolet, and later at Drewlow Ford before eventually opening his own shop, Fischer Repair, east of Milbank. Preston and Carol were blessed with son, David P. Fischer, born on May 28, 1976. Preston was activated in Operation Desert Storm in 1990 until 1991. He was also activated to serve during the Rapid City Flood while serving in the National Guard. He was an active member of the VFW, serving as Commander. On August 7, 1998, Preston and Carol welcomed their daughter-in-law, Danielle Peterson, into the family. Then, on October 17, 2004, they were blessed with the arrival of their granddaughter, Paige Riley, who Preston adored. Paige held a special place in his heart, and their relationship brought immense joy to his life. Preston lived life to the fullest, enjoying family gatherings at the garage, cookouts at the farm, trail rides, and birthdays. He cherished quality time with friends and family and was known as the life of the party. He was deeply involved in his community, participating in the snowmobile club, Pheasants Forever, Last of Fast Guns, American Legion, and the Milbank Fire Department. He enjoyed hunting, fishing trips, and spent much time at stock car races as a pitman for Jaquet Brothers. 

Preston is survived by his son, David (Dana) Fischer of Sioux Falls, SD; his sister, Deborah (Michael) Smith of Browns Valley, MN; his brother, Mark (Monica) Fischer of Waubay, SD; his granddaughter, Paige (John) Fischer of Sioux Falls, SD; his sister-in-law, Patti Fischer of Missouri; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marcus and Dorothy; his beloved wife, Carol; his brother, Michael Fischer; and his sister-in-law, LaDean Fischer.