Kathy Jo Fischer

Kathy Jo Fischer (Rickers), of Lino Lakes, MN passed away in her home, surrounded by her family, on April 27, 2026 after a courageous battle with triple negative breast cancer.

Kathy was born on June 29, 1960 to Sylvester and Frances "Fran" Rickers in Moorhead, MN. She went on to marry her high school sweetheart, Merle Fischer, in 1978. Merle’s military service led them to San Diego, CA where they had three girls: Erica, Sarah and Amanda.

The family returned to Minnesota in 1992 — raising their girls in Fridley while Kathy worked as the general manager at Old Country Buffet in Maple Grove for many years.

She shared her adventurous spirit with her children and granddaughter, June. She loved traveling around Minnesota, visiting Erica and Amanda in Colorado, and annual girls trips to Mexico. Kathy recently travelled to New Zealand with several of her family members and even hiked in a national park while there.

She also cherished family game nights and was affectionately known as “the great-white Skip-Bo shark” by her granddaughter.

Kathy is survived by her daughters, Erica, Sarah, and Amanda; her granddaughter, June; the girls’ father, Merle; and siblings Sylvia Lein, Jerry Rickers, Janette Grimes and Tom Rickers.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Memorial Service 11 AM Tuesday, May 5 at Mueller-Bies Funeral Home-Lino Lakes, 7050 Lake Dr., Lino Lakes, MN 55014. Visitation at the funeral home from 10-11 AM Tuesday. A lunch will follow the services at Chomonix Golf Course, 700 Aqua Ln, Lino Lakes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~