William Jay Fichter

William Jay Fichter, 86, of Princeton, Indiana, passed away on January 22, 2026.

He was born on December 4, 1939, in Princeton, Indiana, to Lawrence John Fichter and Thelma Fern Olmstead.

Bill graduated from Princeton high school. He met the love of his life, Jane, and they were married on September 19, 1964. They shared 61 wonderful years together, years filled with devotion, partnership, and unwavering commitment.

Bill worked at A&P Grocery stores and Emge Meat Packing Company. He was part-owner of the Nature’s Den. He was a member of the Army National Guard and served for 6 years. He was a greeter and counted mass collections for years at St Joseph Catholic Church. Bill and Jane were inducted into the Brute Society of the Diocese of Evansville. The Brute Society honors and pays tribute to Catholic lay people who have been recognized by their fellow parishioners as outstanding models of Christian stewardship – people who have been generous of their time, talent, and treasure.  After retirement, he helped with the upkeep and restoration of St Joseph cemetery.

Faith and family were foundations of Bill’s life. He had a passion for genealogy, church, gardening, nature, and spending time with family. He researched his family history from the Black Forest in Germany and visited there many times. He was a supportive role model to his two children and was always involved in their lives. He especially cherished family vacations, road trips, and grandchildren’s sporting events. He traveled to all 50 states and several countries. Bill was known for his selflessness, often putting others before himself, and will be remembered for his kind soul and gentle heart.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Thelma Fichter; his wife Jane; and his sister Phyllis Jo Lungard.

He is survived by his brother Lawrence Fichter; his children Brad Fichter and his wife Stacy; Brian Fichter and his wife Mary; he also leaves behind grandchildren; Nathan (Haley), Natalie (CJ), Nicole (Jaxon), Noah, and Devon (Kevin) and great grandchildren; Calvin, Caroline, Colton, and Oliver. He also leaves behind nieces Connie Reis (Jim), Cathy Green (Bob), Donna Hoelting (Chuck), and Nancy Ruttle (Mike).

A church service will be held at St Joseph Church in Princeton, Indiana by Father Gary Kaiser on February 4, 2026, at 11am with lunch to follow.

The family extends heartfelt thanks for all the caregivers and nurses.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Linda E. White Hospice House.