Anthony "Tony" Thomas Fischer, Sr., 57

"Ma'khuwa Kute"

Tony died Tuesday, November 27, 2012. Funeral services are 10 AM, Sunday, December 2, 2012 at the YST Boys & Girls Club in Marty. Wake services began Thursday at the club. He was born August 6, 1955.

Anthony Thomas Fischer, "Tony", died unexpectedly Monday night, Nov. 26, 2012 as a result of a gunshot wound near his home in Marty, SD.

Tony was born Aug. 6, 1955 in Denver, CO to Margaret Ann Zephier and Anthony Monjaraz, Sr. Margaret soon returned to South Dakota with her children which included an older brother, Vince, and sister, Rose. She later married Kenneth Fischer, Sr. and he adopted Tony. The growing family lived for several years in Pierre before returning to the Yankton Sioux Reservation. Tony attended Marty Indian School where he excelled at academics and sports. It was here he met a fellow student from "out west" and he became father to Winona Marie and Bear Hand.

He later married Frances Thunder Horse and to this union were born RoseAnne, Anthony Jr., Andrea, Dominic, Wicahpi Omani Win and Solana.

Tony earned an A.A. degree in General Studies from Dakota Wesleyan in Mitchell in 1988. He was a Yankton Sioux Tribal Councilman for four years and served on the Business and Claims Committee. He worked for the Housing Authority in maintenance for many years. His last position was delivering propane to tribal members.

Tony was extremely proud to be Ihanktonwan and was a lifelong advocate for Native Americans and treaty rights. He was a spiritual person and believed deeply in his native religion and participated in the Sundance for four years. He was a pipe carrier and the wicayuwita wicasa (whip man) "One who brings people together" for his people.

His passions were hunting, fishing, practicing martial arts and he was a talented drummer. He loved to play pool and spent many hours perfecting his shot. He was always handy and could fix just about anything. Tony had a great sense of humor and loved a good laugh. He loved his large extended family very much and was very proud of all his children and grandchildren.

The story of his life wasn't yet written before it was taken away.

Left to mourn him are his mother, Margaret Ann Zephier, Wagner, SD; brothers Vince Two Eagle and Frank Fischer, Wagner; Kenneth Fischer, Jr., Sioux Falls, SD; sisters Luann Perkins, North Dakota, Mona Fischer, Lake Andes, SD; and Alvena Cooke, Vermillion, SD; sons Bear Hand Sr., Spearfish, SD; Anthony Fischer, Jr. (Frances),Wagner, SD; and Dominic Fischer, Marty, SD; daughters Winona Angel, Rapid City, SD; RoseAnne (Jim, Sr.) Wade, Wicahpi Omani Win and Solana Fischer, all of Lake Andes, SD and Andrea Fischer (Greg Turner), Wagner, SD; and 28 grandchildren. He also leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Fischer, Sr.; his beloved sister Rose; brother Ronald Fischer and an infant brother Kenneth.