Jean “Ginger” Catherine Fishback

Friday, May 3, 2019 6:22 pm

Jean “Ginger” Catherine Fishback, 83, of Postville, died Thursday, April 25, 2019, at Good Samaritan Society in Postville. Visitation is from to 10 a.m. Saturday, May 11, at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church, Postville. A Memorial Mass is at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 11, at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church, Postville, with Rev. Nils de Jesus Hernandez as the celebrant. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Bridget’s Catholic Church Bell Tower Fund, Alzheimer’s Association or Good Samaritan Society of Postville. Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Postville, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.

Jean Catherine was born March 25, 1936, to William and Della (Sindelar) Schmitt in St. Paul, Minn. She graduated from Ridgeway High School and attend one year of college at the University of Iowa in Iowa City.

Jean was united in marriage with Charles Fishback Feb. 4, 1956, at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Decorah. Two children were born to this union. Throughout the years, Ginger worked part time at Postville Herald and the bakery and was a substitute cook at school. She was a member of St. Bridget’s Catholic Church and Rosary Society. Ginger enjoyed bowling, refinishing furniture, mushroom hunting with Chuck, riding her bike and playing cards. Her greatest joy was spending time with family and friends, especially her grandchildren.

Ginger is survived by her two children, Debra Masek of Harpers Ferry and James (Brenda) Fishback of Postville; grandchildren: Gabi Masek of Decorah and Josh Masek of Decorah; Alanda Fishback of Buffalo, Wyo.; step-grandsons: Randal (Morgan) Schultz of Indianola and Shawn and Derek Schultz of Postville; one step-great-granddaughter, Sutton; and one brother, Wilmar Smith of Seattle, Wash.

Ginger was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, Dec. 6, 2014; her parents, William and Della Schmitt; and sister, Mary Lou Sollien.