Reverend Martin Fisher
October 25, 1926 - February 09, 2013
Obituary
Reverend Father Martin Norbert Francis Fisher of Billings, age 86, died February 10, 2013 at St. Vincent's Hospital. He was born in Dickenson, North Dakota on October 25, 1926 to Earl V. and Faith Bernadette (Brown) Fisher. The family gave him the name Norbert Francis at his baptism in St. Patrick's Church in Dickenson, North Dakota, He received the saints name of Martin when he entered the Benedictine Order at the monastery of Assumption Abbey in Richardton, North Dakota in June of 1944. He made religious solemn vows in the community in 1948. After he was ordained to the priesthood on June 1, 1951 he spent twenty-one years working in various educational apostolates in the Benedictine Community. He earned degrees from St. Pius X School of Music at Manhattanville College of Sacred Heart in Purchase, New York in sacred music and from Notre Dame in liturgy. Reverend Father Fisher was sent to Bogata, Columbia in 1968 to work in the educational apostolate of the Benedictines of Assumption Abbey through 1972. When he returned to the abbey at Richardton in 1972 he was sent on assignment to work in the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings, Montana. The four assignments that he served in over ten years attracted him to the diocese and in February of 1983 the Holy See granted permission to him to leave the Benedictine community through exclaustration and become a diocesan priest through incardinating into the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings, Montana. In 1987 he took on a new pastoral role as a chaplain at St. Vincent Heathcare in Billings until he retired. Reverend Father Martin Fisher continued serving the diocese by supplying as a substitute priest when priests need assistance as he was able until he moved to Bonaventure of Billings Senior Living Community. He continued even there offering his priestly and pastoral services to those in residence. He recently assisted Reverend Father Joseph Ponessa with his endeavor of providing an English translation of the Psalms. A great excitement and entertainment for him in life was to cheer on the Green Bay Packers and he also enjoyed bowling. Reverend Father Martin Norbert Francis Fisher is preceded in death by his parents and four siblings: Maurice Fisher; Sr. Bernadette Fisher; Olive Overstreet; and Marcelline Bearstail. He is survived by his brother Deacon Donald E. Fisher. Visitation: Visitation will be at Dahl Funeral Chapel on Wednesday from 10-5 and Thursday from 10-4. Service: A funeral vigil will be held at St. Patrick's Co-Cathedral, Billings on Thursday, February 14 at 6:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian burial will follow on Friday, February 15 at noon. Committal will be in Holy Cross Cemetery.
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Memories
TK
Thomas Kubisiak
Other •
My father, James Kubisiak was a resident of Bonaventure Assisted Living in Billings. There he met Father Fisher and when I came to visit my Dad from Portland, Oregon, in February 2012, I met Father Fisher and took an immediate liking to him. He was very friendly and easy to talk with. He tried to encourage my Dad to attend Mass, and would occasionally talk with Dad. I attended one of the Bonaventure "Happy Hours" about a year ago and had a nice time talking with Fr. Fisher. There was something comforting and peaceful about him, and also he was so engaging and interesting to visit with. He made a big impression on me in a couple of short visits and I was very thankful that I had met him. When my Dad died , in December 2012, we asked for Father Fisher to perform the last rites, which he did, even though as I understand it , he himself was not long for this world. I also was gratified that Father Fisher said he knew my Grandparents - Ray and Frances Thomas- from St. Patrick's church in Dickinson. Though I didn't know him long or well, I felt a connection with Father Fisher,and will hold him in my memory and prayers. - Tom Kubisiak, Portland, Oregon
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GILBERT TAUSCHER
Other •
Rest in peace, faithful servant. I remember you well from your work in and around the various parishes in Billings and through the Cursillo/Cum Christo movement. You were a compassionate man of God but you also spoke often when people needed to hear some straight talk in their life's journey and faith journey as well. GOD bless, Fr. Martin.
KP
Kathleen Phillips
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I met Fr. Martin at Bonaventure where my dad, James Kubisiak, was also a resident. He always stopped to say hello and say a few kind words. The night before my father passed, Fr. Martin administerd the last rites as he promised he would, even though he was not feeling good himself. He was gentle and kind and I always enjoyed talking to him. He will forever be in my thoughts. Rest in Peace, Fr. Martin Fisher.
GB
Gary & Clara Borland
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Although Father Fisher was a substitute at St. Michael's in Absarokee. It was always a treat to have him come and preach to us. He always had very good homilys and was always so complimentry to the music provided for the Mass. Being a Green Bay Packer fan along with Father Greg has got to be plus. God Bless You Father Fisher.