Obituary of Patricia Fischbach

Sterling-  Patricia R. Fischbach, 89, of Sterling died Sunday, October 28, 2018, at Rock River Hospice, surrounded by her loving family.

Pat was born January 4,1929, in Sterling, the daughter of Clark and Macie Stanley.  She attended Coleta grade schools and Sterling Township High School.  She met her future husband, Chuck Fischbach, at Singing Wheels Skating Rink during high school. She attended two years of college at Illinois State University.  After Chuck’s return from the army, they married on September 26, 1948.  After marriage, they lived on 6th Avenue, then on to 911 Avenue G for 6 years.  Finally, they settled at 311 9th Avenue for 48 years, where they would raise their 11 children and many grandchildren as well. They spent many evenings on their porch swing with their loved ones watching the world roll by. 

She taught piano for many years.  She was a member of First Christian Church of Sterling where she taught Sunday School; was a member of the voice choir and the accompanist, as well as a bell choir member and a substitute organist.  She served as an Elder, first female Board Chair, and was a member of the Ruth Esther Circle.  She was also a member of PEO organization, chapter CC and volunteered for many local charities.

Following retirement, Chuck and Patty purchased a motorhome and traveled the country from coast to coast and North to South. They spent 15 winters of their retirement on the Texas Gulf Coast where they made countless friends.

Survivors include five sons and five daughters, Phillip (Cathleen) Fischbach of Placerville CA, Timothy (Tom Helfrich) Fischbach of Dixon, Jeffrey (Maureen) Fischbach of Sterling, Peter (Jan) Fischbach of Sterling, Susan Fischbach of Sacramento, CA, Wesley (Karen) Fischbach of Roseville, CA, Sally (Kirk) Keder of Como, IL, Christine Smith of Brookfield, IL, Karen (Shawn Conboy) Fischbach of Sterling, Karol (John) Guzzardo of Sterling, IL; sister Jean Stillman of Sterling, brother Willard (Ruth) Stanley of Sterling, brother Kenneth Stanley of Coleta; 17 grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren.  Pat and Chuck had 42 direct descendants.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Steven, and brothers Robert and Earl Stanley. 

A memorial has been established to Rock River Hospice and Home, and First Christian Church of Sterling.

Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com