Wayne Elden Fisher

On Friday, April 26, 2024, we bid farewell to a remarkable soul as Wayne Elden Fisher passed away at the age of 88. Born on April 28, 1935, in Britton, SD to Marion and Ruby Fisher, Wayne's upbringing was humble yet filled with the values of hard work and integrity instilled by his farmer parents. One of ten siblings, he experienced a childhood of simplicity in a house with dirt floors and limited resources but abundant love.

His life took a significant turn when he met and married his first wife, Shirley Fisher, and then joined the Air Force in 1955. Wayne's aptitude for technology led him to become one of the original mainframe computer programmers—a pioneering role that shaped his career and took him across states from Texas to California and back.

It was in the midst of everyday life that Wayne found his true joy—surrounded by family. He met his current wife, Carol Sue Perdue Fisher, while opening a checking account at the bank where she worked. This turned into an adventure on an Alaskan cruise where he surprised her with a marriage proposal. His love extended not only to his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren but also to Carol's children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A true innovator in the field of computer programming, Wayne's passion for his work transcended mere profession; it was an integral part of who he was—a brilliant mind with a kind and gentle spirit.

Wayne's sense of humor brought joy to those around him, coupled with a shared interest in fishing and a quirky hobby of collecting beer cans with his youngest son. Despite his numerous accomplishments and worldwide travels, Wayne remained humble, always more interested in listening to others' stories than bragging about his own.

A man rooted in history through his lineage, Wayne's family background traced back to significant figures such as the founders of The Little Brown Church in the Vale and Timothy Matlack, known for penning the US Constitution.

Wayne is survived by his beloved wife, Carol Fisher; cherished children, Steve Fisher (Nida), Linda Franklin (Jack), Wayne Fisher, Jr. (Ana); step-children, Robbie Moon (Debbie), Randy Moon (Donna), Carol Whitlock (Darin); adored grandchildren, Stephanie Roper, Nathan Figgs, Anthony Fisher, and Maryanne Fisher; and sisters, Sharon Clausen, Shirley Clements, and Rita Benson. He now reunites with his parents, Marion and Ruby Fisher, and siblings, Gloria Nostrud, Janice Clark, Allen Fisher, Gale Fisher, Lonnie Fisher, and Gary Fisher.

In honor of Wayne's life, a visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at the Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Memory Gardens. 

May Wayne Elden Fisher's memory live on through the stories shared by those who knew him—a man of wisdom wrapped in kindness who left an indelible mark on all whose lives he touched.