Deanna Fischbach

Mass of Christian Burial for Deanna was held on Friday, October 24, 2025 at the Faith Community Center in Faith, SD.  Private family burial was held at the Fischbach Cemetery.  

Visitation for Deanna followed by a Rosary/Vigil Service was held Thursday, October 23, 2025 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Faith, SD.

Deanna Marie (Kohles) Fischbach, 50, of Faith, SD, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday evening, October 16, 2025, at her ranch home southwest of Faith, SD.   

Deanna was born as a set of twins on October 5, 1975, to James and Loretta (Block) Kohles, in Yankton, SD. Identical twins, Coreen and Deanna have been inseparable since birth.  Coreen is 15 minutes older than Deanna, a fact that Coreen loves to point out as needed, much to Deanna’s chagrin. 

Deanna grew up on the Kohles family farm outside of Crofton, NE, graduating from Crofton High School in 1994.  In High School, she was part of 3 Nebraska State Champion Cross Country teams.   She graduated from Mount Marty College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science and Middle School Language Arts in 1999.   She earned her Master’s Degree in American History Curriculum and Instruction from Dakota Wesleyan University in 2013. 

She met the love of her life and soulmate, Elson Fischbach, in 1995 at the Skylon Ballroom in Hartington, NE. They were married on July 19, 1997.  Together, they lived in Sydney, NE and Canton, SD (teaching in Sidney and Harrisburg).  In 2011, they moved to Elson’s childhood community of Faith, SD to teach and raise their sons in a small town. With help, they were able to start ranching and return to the family ranch southwest of Faith.  They have two sons, Rowdy (24) and Hudson (21); they both live in Faith, have their own businesses, and are active on the family ranch. 

Deanna was a staple in the community of Faith.  In addition to teaching, she was an active member of the Catholic Daughters, Library Board, Track Coach, both local and regional Student Council Advisor, and she pitched in or supported wherever there was a need.  

She talked to Coreen at least twice a day, every day.  Deanna loved to read books, quilt, embroider, can or pickle anything, and cook the best food (and cookies) for those she loved.  She also loved to garden, care for her flowers, be outside in the pasture, and sometimes work cows.  Most importantly she was a loving mother, supporter, and guide to her sons; as well as best friend, constant companion, traveling and business partner to her husband.

Never scared to take on new opportunities, Deanna did everything with grit, honesty, and integrity. She had very strong values and was well liked by everyone who knew her.  Deanna had an aura of authority, incredible patience, and always made time to help others. 

She is survived by her loving husband Elson; two sons, Rowdy (Jordan Stoddard) and Hudson; her mom, Loretta (Block) Kohles, Lincoln, NE; six siblings: Duane (Carrie) Kohles, Grand Island, NE; Sheila (George) Chadwick, Elkhorn, NE; Michelle (Keith) Loecker, Hartington, NE; Karla (Justin) Bossman, Crofton, NE; Coreen (Joey) Simonsen, Yankton, SD; Renee (Eric) Schafer, Lincoln, NE; and brother-in-law GB Fischbach, Gillette, WY.  Her memory lives in her many nieces, nephews, and family members.  She leaves many neighbors, adopted kids, and friends who will miss her presence dearly. 

She is preceded in death by her dad, James P. Kohles and two (infant) brothers: Matthew and Raymond Kohles. 

Although Deanna's physical presence may no longer grace our lives, her spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us.  Our country needs more people like Deanna.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be used to establish a scholarship for future rural educators.  Memorials can be sent to PO Box 276, Faith, SD  57626.