Hans Joachim "Butch" Fischer went home to be with his maker on August 11, 2020. He was born in Gfell, Czechoslovakia, on May 24, 1946, the son of the late Hans Josef and Margit Julie Lebeth Fischer. Butch, along with his mother and sister emigrated to the United States on March 17, 1957. After arriving in America, the family settled in Ft. Seybert, WV.

Butch attended school in Brandywine and Franklin. He joined the United States Army and honorably served his country at home and abroad. He received his honorable discharge on April 30, 1969. Upon completion of military service, Butch graduated from a broadcast school in Washington, DC and worked as a broadcaster and music director for WKCY in Harrisonburg, VA for eight years. His working career included a wide variety of professions. He worked as a steel erector, tractor trailer driver for various companies, driving both locally and cross country; he was a carpenter, and painter. Prior to retiring, Butch worked as a land surveying technician for Firor Land Surveying for 20 years. He was a member of the Franklin Moose Lodge #769.

Butch freely volunteered his time to needy causes and always stood ready to help. His broadcast training opened many doors for him, both in radio and public appearances. He provided Master of Ceremony duties to several Treasure Mountain Festivals venues. While working for WKCY, he interviewed numerous music stars, including such names as Dolly Parton, Buck Owens, and Bill Monroe. As a music performer in his own right, he was a drummer for several bands, but was probably best known for his wash tub base performances in traditional and blue grass jams and gatherings. Butch was widely known for his music, winning smile, and the fact that he never seemed to meet a stranger.

Butch is survived by: his sister, Monika Fischer Flippin (Jim) of Ft. Seybert, WV, daughters, Laura Gilkeson (Jason) of Bridgewater, VA, Emily Hernando (Jose) of Greensboro, NC, Julie Levy (Benjamin) of FL; 7 grandchildren; and 2 nieces, Jennifer Flippin of Ft. Seybert, WV, and Cecilia Teagarden (Jeff) of Germantown, MD.

In honoring Mr. Fischer's wishes, his body has been donated to West Virginia University Medical Science and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com or on Facebook at Basagic Funeral home.