June 2, 2026 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

Hometown appeal: The Wheelhouse earns Business of the Year honors

April 16, 2019

April 16, 2019

When the Wheelhouse opened in 2017, it was unlike anything in St. Joseph. And still is. The farm-to-table restaurant owned...

Fine arts student of the month… Kabriel Schuster

August 29, 2019

August 29, 2019

Each month a committee of teachers selects a fine arts student of the month from nominees from the drama, art...

Why is it important to keep your blood pressure under control?

April 9, 2021

April 9, 2021

By: Christie Clinic Department of Family Medicine What are some signs of high blood pressure and why is it important to...

St. Joseph resident Lewis to star in ‘Frozen Jr.’

September 21, 2019

September 21, 2019

Hayden Lewis loves to act. The St. Joseph Middle School student is participating in the The Champaign Urbana Theatre Company...

Former rivals give back with youth girls’ basketball program

January 22, 2019

January 22, 2019

Growing up, Andrea Flenniken was a Spartan. Flenniken graduated from St. Joseph-Ogden High School in 1996 and played girls’ basketball...

Franzen chosen to lead middle school

March 30, 2021

March 30, 2021

The new St. Joseph Middle School Principal will be a familiar face. The St. Joseph Consolidated Community School Board voted...

Ask the doctor: Which internet resources can I trust for medical information?

March 3, 2021

March 3, 2021

By Jeanelle Murphy, DO In this age of technology it is important to know what websites will give you accurate...

A cut above: St. Joseph resident and hair stylist Milt offering free haircuts for students

August 14, 2019

August 14, 2019

Nicole Milt wants to help kids feel good about themselves. So Milt has volunteered to do free haircuts for students...

Bracelets honoring Booker bring attention to Scott’s Law

April 5, 2022

April 5, 2022

Vickie Reese is hoping a bracelet will help people remember to move over when they see flashing lights. Reese, the...

Wheelhouse steps up to help community

August 19, 2020

August 19, 2020

Abbie Layden-Rogiers and her husband Ryan Rogiers have always wanted to help the community. The owners of The Wheelhouse in...

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...

SJO grad McElroy blossoms at Millikin, both in volleyball and in life

October 3, 2019

October 3, 2019

Marissa McElroy loves volleyball. And in turn, the sport has helped the St. Joseph-Ogden graduate love herself. The 6-foot-3 senior...

10 things you don’t know about me… Tonya Yeazel

September 5, 2019

September 5, 2019

Every week we ask a St. Joseph area resident to tell us 10 things we don’t know about them. This...

Bree Trimble Working Out With Siblings and Father

July 7, 2020

July 7, 2020

Like all athletes, Bree Trimble plans on coming back to the Parkland College Cobra women’s basketball team as a bigger,...

Passion for fitness inspires Hixson’s JustBfit class

September 17, 2019

September 17, 2019

Brenda Hixson likes to help people be fit. Hixson created a fitness program that meets at St. Joseph Grade School...

Comments
Leave a Reply