Arthur "Art" Fischbach Obituary

Arthur (Art) Fischbach was born November 2, 1941, to Paul and Margaret (Kittlesland) Fischbach in Aberdeen, SD. He passed away at home on August 24, 2024, surrounded by family.

Art grew up on the family farm near Warner, SD as the oldest of seven children. He attended country grade school, Brentford High School and graduated from Warner High School in 1959. Art was active in sports in high school and was especially talented in baseball. He spent his youth working hard on the farm with his brothers and cousins. Along with the hard work, he found plenty of time for Shenanigans with his brother Ronnie, his cousins and friends which provided lots of laughter and "tall tales" over the years. 

On August 30, 1961, he was united in marriage to Marlette Rahskopf. Together in those 63 years they raised six children on the family farm near Mellette. Through years of sweat and tears they created a beautiful home, prize winning dairy operation, raised crops and livestock that fed many, ran a trucking operation, and created the legacy of a large family Art frequently boasted as his greatest accomplishment. 

After "the boys" took over the farm in 1990. Art and Marlette moved to Pierre, SD where he briefly worked for the South Dakota Department of Ag and Game Fish and Parks before becoming an agronomist. Art applied his farming expertise in his agronomist role allowing him to build more friendships with other farmers and become an award-winning salesman. He also enjoyed hunting pheasants with friends in Gettysburg, SD and walleye fishing for competition and fun with his family. In 2014 Art and Marlette "retired" and moved to Sioux Falls, SD. Art not one to sit still, starting driving cars for Billion Automotive. In addition to his trips all over the upper Midwest, he proudly assumed the role of "Billion Bootlegger" frequently bringing Spotted Cow beer back from his trips to Wisconsin to share with "the guys" at Billion Nissan. 

Art was active in many activities throughout his life that allowed him to share his talents and build lifelong friendships. He was the president of the South Dakota Central Holstein Association, member of Wheat Growers Board and Northwestern School Board, was named Outstanding Young Dairy Farmer by Land O Lakes, and was a proud fighter of the Oahe Irrigation Project. The list of Art's activities and achievements is too long to list. In all that he did Art was known for his work ethic, his sarcasm and his most often inappropriate sense of humor. All traits that he proudly passed on to his children along with lots of love that he showed in his special ways. 

In addition to his wife Marlette, Art is survived by his children Tammy Bierman-Huron, SD, Tim (Laura) Fischbach-Ft. Pierre, SD, Lynn (Jeff) Landeen-Madison, SD, Lance Fischbach-Mellette, SD, Brad (Kari Harmon) Fischbach-Mellette, SD, and Becky (Scott) Ball-Sioux Falls, SD. His proud legacy includes 18 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and another great granddaughter on the way. He is also survived by his siblings Marge Fischbach, Paul (Dawn)Fischbach, Bob (Kathy)Fischbach, Ed (Joelle)Fischbach, Mary (Jim) Brink, and sister-in-law Sharon Fischbach, and many special nieces and nephews. 

Art was proceeded in death by his parents Paul and Margaret Fischbach, parents-in-law William and Ida Rahskopf, granddaughter Nichole Fischbach, brother Ronald Fischbach, brother's and sister's in-law James and Darlene Geranen, Les and Sharon Keller, and Jerry Rahskopf. 

Services for Art will be held on their 63rd wedding anniversary at 1:00 pm Friday, August 30, 2024,  at Heritage Funeral Home in Sioux Falls. Services will be available via livestream at the Heritage Funeral Home website.

An additional celebration of Art's life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at the Mellette, SD Community Hall. 

Memorials can be directed to Avera Hospice, or directly to the family to be distributed to the several local charities that Art supported.

The service will be livestreamed by zoom

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82662982428?pwd=B3Q5R4cCNOFCyqrOmSzuUvf6J3fiqb.1

Meeting ID: 826 6298 2428 
Passcode: 927821