Dr. Lester E. Fisher was a respected and admired legend in his professional life and a much loved man to his family.

On December 22, 2021, Les Fisher passed away in Hayward, Wisconsin following a brief illness. He was with his daughters and their husbands. He was born in 1921 in Chicago, Illinois and lived there until he was 99. Les was the son of Czech immigrants, Louis and Elsie Fisher. He grew up in Chicago with his parents, brother, Herb Fisher, and sisters, Rose Oplatka and Blanche Lederer.

Dr. Lester E. Fisher is survived by his daughters, Jane (Steve) Hannuksela, and Kate (Kris) Mayberry. He has six grandchildren, Silas (Kelly), Emily (Ben), Will, Eric (Kecha), Ben (Areli), and Tom. He also has six great grandchildren, Kiera, William, Ethan, Katherine, Sam, and Abby. He is also survived by a large and loving extended family including many nieces and nephews. Les Fisher is survived by his first wife, Elizabeth Fisher, and preceded in death by his second wife, Wendy Fisher.

For more about his professional accomplishments, the Lincoln Park Zoo website and Chicago newspapers have written very nice tributes.

As per his wishes, there will be no public service.

Memorials in Dr. Lester E. Fisher’s name can be made to the Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Great Apes, at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Two other favorites of his were Doctors Without Borders and The Southern Poverty Law Center.

Last Update: Dec 29, 2021 8:05 pm CST