Walter Fischer, age 96, of Brainerd, died August 27, 2012 at Carefree Assisted Living in Brainerd.

Walter was born October 9, 1915 in Herreid, SD to Russian immigrants, Andreas & Magdalena (Renz) Fischer. He married Nana Olson on September 15, 1952 in Brainerd. They lived in Minneapolis until 1975, and then returned to the Brainerd area.

Walter served in the U.S. Army during WWII. Wally served in the European Theater and because of his ability to speak German, served as an interpreter - facilitating communication with German prisoners of war. He was honorably discharged as a corporal in December 1945. After the war, he stayed in Europe and aided displaced citizens in returning to their homes or relocating.

Walter was employed as an office manager at the U.S.D.A. commodity office; retiring after 26-years employment. Walter’s hobbies included fishing, gardening, reading, bird-feeding & bird-watching, and hunting. He was a member of Temple Baptist Church and served on the deacon board, trustee board, constitution committee, pastoral search committees, building committee & served as an usher.

Walter is survived by his sister-in-law, Jean Olson; and many nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nana; four brothers: Andrew, Gottlieb, John and Arthur; and four sisters: Regina, Martha (Annis), Alvina (Huber) and Elsie.

Funeral services will be held on Friday – September 7, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Halvorson-Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be one-hour prior to services at the funeral home. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery, Brainerd.