CECIL FISCHENICH, age 89, of Ellsworth, MN, died Saturday, December 25, 2010, at the Sanford Hospice Cottage in Luverne, MN. Cecil was born August 12th, 1921, in Ellsworth, Minnesota, to Nerres and Ethel (Rowe) Fischenich. He attended St. Mary?s Catholic High School where he played on the first Ellsworth basketball team to make it to the state basketball tournament. He graduated from St. Mary?s in 1941. On June 11, 1942, Cecil enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served in the Western Pacific in World War II as an Intelligence and Reconnesense platoon sergeant of the 81st Infantry Division of the Wildcat Rangers. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Arrowhead Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with Bronze Star and the American Theater Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon. Upon his return from his service in the U.S. Army in December of 1945, Cecil joined his brother Ed in establishing the E and C Caf?. Cecil married Mary Clare Egan on August 25, 1947 at St. Mary?s Catholic Church in Ellsworth, Minnesota. After their marriage, the couple lived in Ellsworth where they worked side by side for 37 years in the E and C Caf?. In addition, Cecil operated Fischenich and Sons Painting for over 40 years. Cecil and Mary Clare were married for 60 years. Cecil was a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Mary?s Church Council and the American Legion. He cherished his fishing and hunting trips with his spouse, children and brothers. He was an avid gardener, reader, local historian, wonderful story teller and a bit of a prankster. Cecil spent 100?s of hours recording his family?s activities and recently gifted 30 years of recordings to his loved ones. Cecil was a man of great faith and continued to share that faith with his family until his death. Cecil is survived by his six children and their spouses, Mary Ellen Fischenich and David Ashling, Golden Valley, MN; Ann Klaassen, Marion, IA; Susan and Tim Sheldon, North Mankato, MN; Paul and Karla Fischenich, Byron, MN; David and Joni Fischenich, Windom, MN; and Laura and Corey Fields, Clarkfield, MN; Daughter in-law, Mary Kay Fischenich, Sioux Falls, SD; 22 grandchildren, Dana, Grant, Jared, Caleb, Amy, Douglas, Ryan. Abby, Matt, Josh, Corey, Jessica, Megan, Emily, Zach, Sam, Sarah, Joe, Katie, Michelle, Casey and Morgan; 5 Great grandchildren, Taylor, Jonathan, Rilee, Seth and Lili; his sister, Marian Palmer, Torrington, CT and brother, Bill Fischenich, Effie, MN. He also treasured his relationships with his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son, John Fischenich and grandson Luke Sheldon .