November 12, 2025 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Generous family man Fisher suffering from major health issue

Luke Fisher likes to solve problems.


The assistant public works superintendent does everything from work at the sewer plant to plowing the roads in St. Joseph during the winter months.


“At work, he’s always there early ready to get started,” said Josh Reese, a public works employee in St. Joseph, “and always goes out of his way to help the citizens out when they need something.”


Now, Fisher and his family need the help of the community Fisher dutifully serves.


Fisher was recently diagnosed with a serious and fast-spreading bacterial infection.


His surgeries have gone as well as can be expected, said Melissa Croy, his sister-in-law.


“But he will have to go through a couple more in the months to come that will prevent him from working and performing all the jobs he did on the side for neighbors,” she said. “He’s helped so many people and I know has touched many lives.”


To help the Fishers with their mounting medical bills and expenses, family and friends have created a GoFundMe page.


St. Joseph Mayor Tami Fruhling-Voges said Fisher is deserving of the help.


“He is one of those guys that will jump at the chance to help someone,” Fruhling-Voges said.


Fruhling-Voges said Fisher is a tremendous asset to the village, as well to her personally.


“While I have been Mayor he has been very supportive, and I can always count on him,” she said. “I value his friendship and his partnership as my public works assistant.”


Fruhling-Voges said Fisher’s organizational skills and his ability to move projects forward within the village helps the public works department daily.


Village Clerk Tiffany McElroy-Smetzer agreed.


“He steps right up and solves problems,” she said. “Luke figures it out and gets it done before you know it.”


McElroy-Smetzer considers Fisher more than a work colleague; he is also a friend.


She said one of her favorite characteristics about Luke is how much his family means to him.


“I love to listen to him talk about his daughter Hannah,” she said. “I can remember when he started dating (his wife) Marlo. You could tell from the beginning she was special.”


Croy agreed.


“His love for family, friends, and especially Marlo and Hannah, is evident from the moment you meet him,” she said.


In addition to working for the village, Fisher served as a firefighter and a first responder. That volunteering is just another aspect of his generous nature, St. Joseph Office Manager Julie Hendrickson said.


“He is so willing to help with anything,” she said. “I love Lucas.”


Office Assistant Debbie Routh echoed that sentiment.


“He is very pleasant and kind to everyone,” she said. “He always helps his neighbors and anyone that he observes that needs help. He’s one in a million.”

To donate visit https://www.gofundme.com/lucas-fisher

in People
Banner
Related Posts

Homecoming court senior spotlight… Ross Booker

September 26, 2019

September 26, 2019

On Saturday, Ross Booker could be named Homecoming King. Booker is one of two candidates for king. “I think it’s...

Ingram to fly high as a Redbird

June 14, 2019

June 14, 2019

Kalli Ingram had a simple audition for the Illinois State University Dance Team. Ingram was in Washington D.C for the...

5 Question Friday with Drama Director Chandler Dalton

October 28, 2022

October 28, 2022

The SJO drama department is producing “The Internet is Distract—Oh look a kitten!” Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at...

Bringing Boston to St. Joseph: Jones to complete virtual marathon Monday throughout villages

September 5, 2020

September 5, 2020

Alison Jones has competed in the Boston Marathon before. On Monday, she will participate in the storied event — just...

Success of students, FFA is what Duitsman will remember about her time at SJO

July 30, 2019

July 30, 2019

This August will be a little different for Katie Duitsman. The former St. Joseph-Ogden High School agriculture teacher will not...

Allen reflects on state pageant

March 11, 2019

March 11, 2019

Gracyn Allen has been the Champaign County Fair Queen for almost eight months. Her 2019 has included everything from competing...

Senior spotlight: Kassie Kelso

May 16, 2019

May 16, 2019

Leading up to graduation, we asked five seniors five questions. Here are Kassie Kelso’s answers. What will you be doing...

Kids say…

June 17, 2019

June 17, 2019

Every week we ask five St. Joseph area students a question about farming. Today, five students from PVO South tell...

10 things you don’t know about me… Dina Fox

June 5, 2019

June 5, 2019

My husband, Kerry, and I met when I was 18 years old in the middle of a snow storm.  We’ve...

Wagners give back in a variety of ways

May 29, 2020

May 29, 2020

Jim and Jen Wagner like to help people. They have helped people through the pandemic at their business, Wagner Signs...

La Luna Cafe closed, new business expected to open

February 27, 2019

February 27, 2019

La Luna Cafe, located at 208 Main Street in St. Joseph, had numerous issues after it was sold to Ranjia...

Longview Bank helps area schools

July 15, 2020

July 15, 2020

Longview Bank is helping local schools. The bank donated $2,500 to eight school districts. Shiloh, Villa Grove, Unity, Heritage, St....

Wagner shines positive light on St. Joseph Grade School

May 7, 2019

May 7, 2019

Michelle Wagner is an optimist by nature. That optimism now permeates St. Joseph Grade School, where Wagner is completing her...

Senior spotlight with Kolton Batty

October 31, 2019

October 31, 2019

Every week we ask a St. Joseph-Ogden senior five questions. This week we talked to Kolton Batty. What do you...

A familiar face to lead PVO

February 25, 2019

February 25, 2019

Jeffrey Isenhower will start a new job on July 1, 2020. He will take over the Prairieview-Ogden superintendent for Vic...

Comments
Leave a Reply