Josephine Ruth Tischer

Josephine Ruth Tischer, of Drummond Island, Michigan, died on July 13, 2017, just short of her 99th birthday. She was born August 17, 1918, in Bath, Michigan, to John Arthur and Ruth Leighton (McConnell) McGonigal. Jo grew up in Bath, where at the age of eight, was one of the survivors when 38 school children and 7 adults perished in a series of intentionally set explosions at the school. Jo was not in school that day but was there to witness the aftermath as she went with her mother to find her older brothers. Her brothers survived but Jo’s elementary classmates did not and Jo never forgot that day. After graduating from high school, Jo attended comtometer (an early mechanical calculator) school, and then went to work for Fisher Body in their office. It was while she was at Fisher that she met her future husband, Hollis Tischer. They were married in August of 1941 and moved to Drummond Island in 1944 after Holly’s doctor advised him to get out in the air rather than work in the automotive plant. Jo worked in the office for the dolomite quarry which was located in DeTour at the time, and then as a bookkeeper at Sune’s on Drummond before working at Drummond Island Yacht Haven for 40 years. In addition to working and raising three sons, Jo was also very active in the community. She joined St. Florence Catholic Church and quickly became involved in bazaars, hunter’s dinners, Guild, and served on the Parish Council. She joined the Homemakers, where she held every office except President. Jo served as secretary of the Chamber of Commerce and was on the school board for a long time. Jo also knew how to have fun. She golfed in both the Drummond and The Rock leagues, where she was known for her fantastic chip shots and dead-eye putts. She was also a member of the women’s bowling league. She enjoyed snowmobiling and went on several rides for charity. Jo was also a great cook and a wonderful and prolific quilter. She made and donated quilts to the Drummond Island Medical Center fundraiser for many years, as well as many other worthy causes. Jo is survived by her sons, Blaine (Karen) Tischer and Tim Tischer, both of Drummond Island; grandchildren, Blaine Joseph (Gail) Tischer and Amy (Bill) Moser; and great grandchildren, Jonathan, Dakota, Holly, Kendall, and Drew. Jo was preceded in death by her husband, Hollis Tischer; son, Patrick Alton Tischer; and brothers, Ray and Chester McGonigal. Services will be held Tuesday, July 18, at St. Florence Catholic Church on Drummond Island. Visitation will be from 12:00 Noon until 1:00 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 P.M. Burial will be in Drummond Island Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Parent Volunteer Group, c/o Drummond Island Elementary, 33800 S. Townline Rd., Drummond Island, MI 49726 or Drummond Island Ladies Golf League, c/o Drummond Island Golf Club, 29901 E. Fairchild Lane, Drummond Island, MI 49726.

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Josephine Ruth Tischer

August 17, 1918 - July 13, 2017