Elaine Mary Fischer

Elaine Mary Fischer, 89, of Burlington, died Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Bickford of Burlington.

Born May 23, 1937, in Waterloo, IA, she was the daughter of John Paul and Margaret Tautges McKenzie. On December 31, 1960, she married Jon H. Gates, they later divorced. On January 30, 1993, she married Richard "Dick" Robert Fischer in Burlington, Iowa. He preceded her in death on October 14, 2019.

She was a 1955 graduate of Lyons Township High School in LaGrange, IL. She received her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Iowa in 1959. 

From 1973 until 1979, Elaine was a clinical instructor for the nursing program at Iowa Wesleyan College. She went on to work for BMC/Great River as an RN, retiring after 19 years.

She was a member of Divine Mercy Parish-SS. John and Paul Catholic Church where she had served as a Eucharistic Minister. Elaine was a member of PEO Chapter NI, Orchard City #1206 Quester Group, and Great River Friends where she served as President for several years. She devoted many hours as a volunteer in the hospital gift shop and was coordinator of the Comfort Hug Program. Her efforts resulted in a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Mayor's Volunteer Recognition Program in 2018. She enjoyed playing bridge, sewing, quilting, as well as spending time with family and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Survivors include two sons, Stephen Jon Gates and Michael Francis (Mary) Gates both of Burlington; two daughters, Theresa "Terri" Rae (Eric) McCrory of Wildwood, MO and Sandra Sue (Damon) Wick of Omaha, NE; step-son, Michael (Evelyn) Fischer of Huntsville, AL; eight grandchildren, Jacob, Jon, Joe, Judy, Alec, Lauren, Logan and Joshua; five great-grandchildren, Sammy, Jackson, Coe, Noah, Mason with one more on the way; and two nephews and one niece.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, a sister in infancy, and brother, John McKenzie.

Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM, Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Divine Mercy Parish-St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Nursing Honors will be performed by the Great River Nurses Honor Guard to conclude the visitation.

The Memorial Mass of the Resurrection for Mrs. Fischer will be 2:00 PM Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Divine Mercy Parish-St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Fr. Jake Greiner as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for Divine Mercy Parish and Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice.

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