In Loving Memory of Monsignor Don Fischer
Monsignor Don FIscher
January 23, 1940 - May 24, 2026
It is with heavy hearts, yet profound gratitude for a life well-lived, that we share the passing of our beloved founder, Monsignor Don Fischer, on May 24, 2026.
Msgr. Don was the son of Fred J. Fischer and Muriel C. (Hehman) Fischer, both of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving sisters, Kathy Fischer and Libby Fischer-Osborne and her husband Jerry Osborne; his brother Fred H. Fischer and his wife Joan Fischer of Green Valley; and by his cherished nephews and niece, Fred P. Fischer and his wife Laura, Jim Fischer, and Amy Fischer Temple and her husband Tim, along with many beloved great-nieces and great-nephews. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Tom Fischer, who died at birth.
Msgr. Don began his priestly ministry serving at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and later at St. Monica Catholic Church. In 1970, he became chaplain at University of Dallas, where he served for 13 years and helped build the Chapel of the Incarnation on campus. He later pastored Saint Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church before serving at St. Joseph Catholic Church, where he oversaw the building of a school serving kindergarten through 8th-grade students.
Msgr. Don was the heart and soul of Pastoral Reflections Institute. His vision and unwavering dedication to helping all who listened find healing, hope, and growth in God’s love have profoundly impacted us all. He taught us to both be our authentic self and to love one another, with grace through God’s indwelling presence. That light is foundational as the Institute continues his faithful mission.
Msgr. Don was not only our spiritual leader, but also a mentor who lived the very principles he taught. While he faithfully served as a priest for 59 years, he spent more than 30 years building the spiritual foundation of Pastoral Reflections Institute through his messages, interpretations, and reflections. His presence will be deeply missed, but his wisdom, compassion, and legacy will continue to guide and inspire others through the ongoing work of the Institute.
The following services are tentative. We will update this page when necessary.
Viewing will be on Sunday, May 31 from 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Rosary from 6:30pm - 7:30pm
at The Chapel of the Incarnation
on the University of Dallas Campus
1845 E Northgate Dr, Irving, TX 75062
Funeral Services will be on Monday, June 1, 2026 at 11:00am
at St. Joseph Catholic Church
in Richardson
600 S Jupiter Rd, Richardson, TX 75081
The Most Reverend Edward Burns, Bishop of Dallas, will preside, with Most Reverend Gregory Kelly and brother priests concelebrating.
Funeral services will be streamed online. We will have more information when it becomes available.
To honor his request and in lieu of flowers or other honorariums, the family requests that donations be made to Pastoral Reflections Institute. Our goal is to move seamlessly in continuation of Msgr. Don’s life-giving message of faith, reflection, and hope for reaching and inspiring future generations. Your support will directly serve to carry forward the work and ministry that defined his life and touched countless hearts.
Please feel free to leave a comment below.
In peace,
The Pastoral Reflections Institute Team