Arwanna “Arnie” Fischer

Arwanna “Arnie” Fischer

July 13, 1926 – May 4, 2021

 Arwanna “Arnie” May (Rhine) Fischer, age 94, passed on May 4, 2021.  She is survived by 6 children, 17 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, who made up the entirety of her world: Debbie Caughlin (Joe) of Omaha, Nebraska, Mike Fischer (Ann) of Omaha, Nebraska, Cathy Azzarello (Ron) of Florida; Tim Fischer of Omaha, Nebraska; Todd Fischer (Wendie) of Omaha, Nebraska, and Rick Fischer (Kris) of Omaha, Nebraska.

Besides her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Arnie is survived by her two sisters, Marie Sain of Lodgepole, Nebraska, and Thelma-Jean Ruley of Alabama.  Arnie is proceeded in death by her parents, Flora and Oscar Rhine; brothers, Ed Rhine and Mike Rhine; sisters, Charlotte Ruley and Dorothy Spots; by her husband, Max Fischer; son, Mark Fischer; and granddaughter, Heidi Fischer.

Arnie was born and raised in the Sidney, Nebraska area and upon graduating from high school, moved to Denver, Colorado to attend business school.  She eventually moved to Omaha, NE for work where she would meet a young firefighter at a dance.  Max and Arnie married on October 27, 1951.  The newlyweds were active in their faith and were long-time members of St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church.  The couple would start two businesses: Max’s Body Shop, which is still in operation today; and The Hobby Nest.

Arnie’s passion for arts and crafts flourished in this business, teaching everything from oil painting to tole painting, needle point, bead design, faux-floral arrangements, ceramics, and quilting.  Her creativity and love for teaching lasted beyond the survival of the Hobby Nest and moved to Omaha Parks and Recreation’s Montclair Community Center to teach ceramic classes to kids and adults.  As she aged, she moved on to quilting full time, creating beautiful, personalized quilts for each of her children and grandchildren.

Her greatest joy was being able to see her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids.  Arnie would light-up at the sight of their visits, always offering positive and encouraging sentiments.

VISITATION observing CDC guidelines:  Friday, May 7^th from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel followed by the ROSARY at 7pm.  MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Saturday, May 8^th at 10am at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 11802 Pacific Street.  Interment: Calvary Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church or American Heart Association.

To view live broadcasts of the Wake, Mass and Graveside Services, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click on the “View Live Cast” button on our home page.