Deacon Paul Fisherkeller
January 6, 1948 ~ February 23, 2025
It is with profound sadness, we announce the passing of Paul Francis Fisherkeller, age 77, on February 23, 2025. He passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his loving family. As a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and most centrally- a servant of God, Paul leaves behind a legacy of compassion, love, and good works.
Paul is survived by his loving wife Sandra Fisherkeller; his children Paul Fisherkeller, Joshua Fisherkeller (Julia Castro-Reyes), Samuel Fisherkeller, and Elizabeth McLaughlin (William); his grandchildren Nicholas, Zoe, and Maximilian Fisherkeller, Hannah Vasvary, Mya, Emily, William, Ivan, Patrick, and Eamon McLaughlin; and his great-grandchildren Romulus Vasvary and Harper Kearney.
In the course of Paul’s remarkable life, it was his personal strength and individual story that inspired others. Together with his brother John Fisherkeller, Paul was orphaned at an early age. He was raised with love by Don and Dorothy Maley of Detroit, MI who gave them a Catholic education. Together, the two maintained a lifelong friendship until John’s passing in 2020.
With the dedicated support of his wife Sandra, his career in food service began as a short-order cook at a local restaurant and culminated as CEO of multiple successful restaurant chains. As he served in leadership throughout his career, his faith influenced how he used those positions. His commitment to fairness and equality was evident in his service both on the Board of Directors of the National Restaurant Association and as President of the Wyoming Restaurant Association, where he focused heavily on creating fair wages and improved conditions for restaurant workers.
Beyond his professional achievements, Paul was a Renaissance man with a deep knowledge of music, philosophy, and theology. His love for exploration took him to nearly every US state, the UK, Italy, Iceland, and the Caribbean. His early music career began in coffee houses and pizza joints where he performed with his sister and brother-in-law. As he matured, he shared his talents as a guitarist and singer to bring joy through music to his family, instilling a love of music in his children.
In service to the Catholic Church, Paul and Sandra were founding members of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Lexington, KY. From his position as a music director in Lexington to his ordination as a Deacon in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, Paul’s ministries expanded as personal growth inspired greater acts of service from him and support from his family. He served at Our Lady of Greenwood and then at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church with distinction for many years.
Those who are fortunate to have known Paul will remember his servant’s heart and dedication to his family. Paul’s patience and intellectual curiosity informed his love, life, and leadership.
"Well done, good and faithful servant." – Matthew 25:23
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the O'Riley – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis. A Vigil Service will be held at 7 p.m. Additional visitation will be held from 9 to 10 a.m., Friday, February 28, 2025, in St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, 535 Edgewood Avenue, Indianapolis. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 a.m., in the church, with burial following at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, Greenwood.
In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Paul's memory to the Teacher's Fund at St. Mark Catholic School, 541 Edgewood Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227.
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Paul was a delight to work with on St. Mark’s RCIA Team! He was a listener, always open to ideas and suggestions from any of us and he organized each of our gifts to the benefit of all. He was a storyteller, a talented musician and an excellent homilist who could always insert the Scripture message into everyday life. We will miss him dearly.
Too many great memories…from men’s vocal group, to RCIA to riding our Harley’s on Governor’s ride. Always a great friend and counsel
Paul was a good and generous soul. I once travelled out west with a friend after college, and my first time meeting Paul was when he and Sandy opened their home to us, not knowing either one of us, but just because he knew I was a friend and roommate of his son, Josh. After weeks in the wilderness, we got to shower and sleep in real beds and were served a couple fantastic meals he prepared for us, before we moved on to see the Tetons, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Parks. My heart aches for the grief his family suffers at his loss. They know why I will be unable to attend in person, but also know I stand ready to be there for them in any way I can. I love the Fisherkellers. My life would not be what it is without them.
Josh – Sending my condolences and prayers to you and your family. What beautiful words to describe your father. He must have been an amazing man. Extending positive thoughts and energy for the days ahead.
I ❤️ you and I will miss you terribly….
Deacon Paul was such a gracious hero to me at SS Francis and Claire Catholic Church. I found myself left to run an Agape service for our Christ Renews His Parish retreat program. As the program was forced to change, those who usually served in this ministry moved on. That left me to try and carry out this aspect of that retreat with no knowledge where to start. Paul jumped right in and walked me through Agape services for several retreats, he offered his guitar playing and pleasant voice to lead the music and his great wisdom many times offering to do reflections on the readings! I’ll never forget how he helped guide me and teach me and because of his part the retreats remained for years to come even after he left our church to go to St Marks. He was so patient and kind to everyone, a pleasure to be around! May his eternal soul glorify God in Heaven now! He will be missed by many I’m sure! My prayers and may God bless his wife Sandra and family!
I had the pleasure of meeting Paul once. He was so kind and helpful in understanding a situation I was having. He along with his wife Sandy both shared parts of their faith and flowers. I felt such a sense of peace and belonging in their presence. Rest in Peace Paul.