It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father John Edward Fishler, who departed this life peacefully on May 30, 2026, at the age of eighty-six.

John was born on January 12, 1940, in Central City, to Lester and May Fishler.

If we had to sum up our dad in just a few words, we would tell you how hardworking, fiercely loyal, and quietly wise he was.

He wasn’t always a man of many words, but his actions spoke volumes. He set an incredible example for our family.

John was a dedicated loving husband to Hilde, his loving wife of sixty-six years, and a devoted father to Mary, Steve, Mark, Heidi, and Todd. He was a proud grandfather to four grandchildren, Nathan, Jaysen, Emily, and Wyatt, and great-grandson Declan. John was a hardworking man who loved life’s adventures which took him to enlist in the Army from 1957 until 1962 specialized Airborne Unit 101st and 82nd. As a veteran of the United States Army Airborne, John served his country with honor and integrity.

He had many stories to tell us about his paratrooping days in Beirut, Lebanon.

After his military career, he returned to Central City from Germany with his wife Hilde, married November 24, 1959, and one-year-old Mary. He returned to manage the Pawnee Farms after his father passed. Pawnee Farms was internationally recognized as one of the premier breeders of Holstiens. John always loved every aspect of farming.

John retired the farm and finished his working days with the Merrick County Road Department and built a small explosive/ blasting business. As he called it, “Hobby Adventures,” which included blowing up bridges, the Highway 14 overpass, beaver dams, silos, sandpits, and the old Central City Library. Everyone in town knew when he was up to his blasting antics. He got a kick out of hearing of it later in the day at the local coffee shops. He was a “quiet observant” social man at every single coffee shop that ever existed in Central City throughout his years. He was an active member of the local Sportsman Club and American Legion Post #6.

John and Hilde were avid travelers to national and state parks. Their adventures also took them back to Hilde’s home country of Germany and visiting memories of where they first met. John was always a lover of historical museums, so much so you couldn’t get him out of them without a cattle prod. John’s kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for his family will never be forgotten. A funeral service will be held at St.

Michael’s Catholic Churh on Saturday, June 6th at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, they may be sent to the St. Michael’s Catholic Church, and if you choose donations in John’s memory, send to the family.

John is survived by his wife of sixty-six years, Hildegard Fishler; sisters, Helen Hoesing, Peggy Dey, and Laurel Bockoven; brothers, Marvin and wife Vicki Fishler, passed Jim Fishler and present wife Adele, and passed Jonny and wife Mary Jane Hall; children, Mary Albright, Steve Fishler and life partner Samantha Brooks, Mark Fishler, Heidi Fishler and husband Shannon Trice, and Todd Fishler and wife Tamar Fishler; grandchildren, Nathan Albright, Jaysen Albright, Emily and husband Ashton Francis, and Wyatt and wife Brittany Fishler; and great-grandchild, Declan Fishler.