March 9, 1932 - July 25, 2025
Duane Fischer (93) died peacefully at home in Missoula, July 25, 2025 of natural causes--if you can call over 1000 parachute jumps (3 combat), 5,000 miles of running, Agent Orange exposure, and a Purple Heart "natural." Duane was born March 9, 1932 in Beulah, ND. Moved to Montana - Butte and Missoula - with his parents as a youth. He was state speed skating champion for three years. He played soft ball, football, too short for basketball, ran in track and pole vaulted. He was quarterback of the Spartan football team for Missoula County High when he was drafted into the army. Sent to Korea in 1961, to Viet Nam in 1966, back to Viet Nam in 1969 (wounded in action March 1969), and Panama in 1970. "Top" served as Chief Jump instructor at Fort Benning, GA, until his retirement in July 1979. He went back to school for a degree in business administration, and then managed three shoe stores In Jacksonville Florida. Duane "came home" to Montana in1985 and married Edith Joscelyn Barthelmess and her dog Spark. Fishing, golfing and yard work were high on his "to do" list, but visiting his mother came first. Duane is survived by his daughters from a previous marriage, Denise and Robin (Jay), and Edie's kids: Kathy (David), Peter (Verna), Lorraine (Tim) and John (Michelle) and numerous grandchildren. Memorial will be held at Grace United Methodist Church, 1756 South 10th St West, Thursday, September 4th at 11 a.m. Luncheon will be served.
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