This February, Westward Heights is honored to recognize Fred Fischer as its Resident of the Month. A man of strength, skill, and wisdom, Fred’s life has been one of dedication—to his country, his craft, and his family. Let’s take a closer look at his incredible journey.
A Life of Service and Achievement
Fred graduated high school in June and wasted no time beginning his next chapter—joining the U.S. Marines in July. During his service, he proved his exceptional marksmanship by earning the Expert Rifleman Badge, achieving an impressive 314 out of 340 among all platoons. One of his proudest moments was reaching the rank of Sergeant, a testament to his leadership and dedication.
Master of His Craft
After serving his country, Fred spent 45 years as a carpenter and cabinet maker, a career he loved. His skills extended beyond normal carpentry—he took on the ambitious project of clearing 18 ½ acres of woodland and constructing his own house from the ground up. His craftsmanship and hard work created a home filled with memories and personal achievement.
Pennsylvania Roots and a Love for the Outdoors
Fred grew up in Pennsylvania, where he spent much of his time fishing and hunting. Even before high school, he was no stranger to hard work, delivering newspapers as a paperboy. His love for the outdoors followed him through life, leading him on two unforgettable hunting trips to Africa.
While there, he made a lasting impact by handing out Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars to children—sharing a piece of home with those he met along the way.
Words of Wisdom and Life Reflections
Fred’s life advice is simple yet profound: Treat everyone the way you want to be treated. It’s a philosophy that has guided him through nearly 95 years of life, a milestone he will proudly celebrate in April.
Looking back, Fred has no regrets. He takes great pride in his children, one son and two daughters—all of whom graduated from college—and feels grateful to have accomplished everything he set out to do in life. Now, he enjoys the simple pleasure of reading, diving into books on all subjects sent to him by his children.
A Few Simple Wishes
If given three wishes, Fred’s requests are refreshingly down-to-earth:
- A big steak.
- A visit to Pennsylvania to see his children and friends.
- A third wish? He doesn’t need one—his wishes have already come true.
Living Well at Westward Heights
At this stage in life, Fred’s priority is keeping aches and pains at bay. When asked what he enjoys most about Westward Heights, his response is full of appreciation: It doesn’t feel like jail, and I’m treated better than most places.
Fred Fischer’s story is one of resilience, hard work, and gratitude. We are proud to have him as part of the Westward Heights family and celebrate his remarkable life as our February Resident of the Month!
If you are looking for a place for your loved one, Fred and his family highly recommend Westward Heights Care Center. For more information, call (307) 332-5560 or visit the website here.
