Sidney Jones Fister, 91, of LeRoy, Minnesota, formerly of Lyle, Minnesota, died on Friday, June 21, 2019, at Wildwood Grove Assisted Living & Memory Care Center, where he had made his home since November 2017

Sid was born on May 16, 1928, to Casper and Mary (Jones) Fister at their home in LeRoy. When Sid was six years old he went to spend the summer with his great aunt and uncle, Tillie and John Thiedemann, who lived on a farm five miles south of LeRoy. He continued to live with them until he married and considered them to be his second set of parents. Sid attended the LeRoy Public Schools, graduating in 1946. After his graduation, Sid worked for the local phone company and later drove a delivery truck for Goodrich & Shackleford Egg Produce. In January,1951, Sid joined the Minnesota National Guard and served at Camp Rucker in Alabama until his honorable discharge in October 1952. It was at that time that he returned to his hometown and was re-hired by Central Iowa Telephone (which later became General Telephone – GTE) working on the telephone line crew. Along with finding a job that suited him well, it was Sid’s good fortune to meet Martha Johnson, one of the telephone switchboard operators. They were married on July 24, 1954, at LeRoy Lutheran Church. Sid and Martha were blessed with one son, Dana, in 1955. In 1958, Sid was transferred to Lyle to become the area’s installer/repairman. He faithfully served in that capacity for 38 years and retired in 1990.

Sid placed his faith and trust in Christ as his personal savior as a young boy. He was baptized when he was 12 years old in Lake Louise at Wildwood Park north of LeRoy. Sid and Martha were faithful members of Grace Baptist Church in Austin, Minnesota. Sid served for many years on the Trustee Board and also served as a greeter on Sunday mornings. The Fisters lived in the Lyle community for 60 years and were active members. Sid was a member of The Lyle American Legion, Lyle Lions Club and the Lyle Commercial Club.

Activities that brought Sid much enjoyment were hunting, traveling, watching the Minnesota Twins, bike riding, walking at Oak Park Mall, talking finances with his brother and spending time with family. Sid especially enjoyed his grandchildren and loved attending their many activities.

Even though Alzheimer’s disease robbed Sid of some precious memories, he continued to enjoy life until the very end. Because of this illness, Sid and Martha eventually made their home at Wildwood Grove in LeRoy, where they have been cared for and treated like family.

Sid is survived by his loving wife of nearly 65 years, Martha; one son, Dana, and his wife, Becky (Hansen), of Riceville, Iowa; grandchildren, Brooke (Jason) Silberhorn of Ocala, Florida, Laurel (Mike) Lingle of Ocala and Cole (Kayla) Fister of Bondurant, Iowa; great-grandchildren, Harley, Lindie, Mahri, Ashlyn, Jones and Ari; sister, Mary Lou Hungerford; sisters-in-law, Pauline Fister and Pat Johnson; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Casper and Mary; special great-aunt Tillie and great-uncle John Thiedemann; brother, Roger; brothers-in-law, Louie Hungerford, Norman Johnson and Gary Johnson; and nephew, Bruce Hungerford.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 1, 2019, at Grace Baptist Church in Austin with Pastors Devin Larsen and Dan Mielke officiating. Visitation will be held from 3-6 p.m. on Sunday, June 30, 2019, at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary and will continue for one hour prior to services on Monday at the church. Interment will be in LeRoy Cemetery.