Rich Fleisher, 68, of Knoxville, passed into his heavenly home on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, after one long year of living with ALS.
Rich was born on September 1, 1954 in Chicago. He was the son of Homer and Bernadine (Morris) Fleisher. Rich married the love of his life, Michelle Bonnell between high school and college in 1972. Together, they built a life and celebrated 50 years of marriage. Rich is survived by his loving wife, Michelle, at home; daughter, Amy (Greg) Larson of Knoxville and children, Anna and Garrett; son, Andy (Linley) Fleisher of Knoxville and children, Bryar and Emersyn; his mother, Bernadine Fleisher of Knoxville; brothers, Homer (Jean) Fleisher of Arkansas, Tom (Becky) Fleisher of Gilson and Bill (Cathy) Fleisher of Knoxville. He was preceded in death by his father.
Rich was a 1972 graduate of Knoxville High School. He then went on to obtain his Bachelors of Science Degree in Animal Science/Agriculture Economics from the University of Illinois. Alongside his family, farming was Rich’s life. He was the Illinois State Fair Showman in the Cattle Division in 1972, and a member of the University of Illinois Livestock Judging team. If he wasn’t attending games for the Blue Bullets, he could be found in the cattle barn, attending fairs and cattle shows and was able to experience seeing his cattle shown at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo earlier this month. The many life lessons and a driven work ethic that Rich instilled will forever be cherished by those who loved him most. He was a member of Community Bible Church, where he enjoyed attending the Men’s Group worship meetings.
Cremation rites will be accorded. Family and friends of Rich Fleisher will be gathering on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 5:00 PM in the old wood cattle barn/new Diamond Ag Building at the Knox County Fair Grounds, Knoxville. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory, Knoxville have been entrusted with assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials in Rich’s honor may be donated to Community Bible Church, the Knox County Fair Livestock Dept. or the ALS Association. On-line condolences and/or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com.
