Remembering Margaret “Maggie” Fisher: A La Crosse Legacy Etched in Service and Community

In a quiet corner of La Crosse’s affairs, where public service and quiet dignity intertwine, Margaret “Maggie” Fisher passed away in November 2023, leaving behind a legacy defined by compassion, steadfast leadership, and deep roots in one of Wisconsin’s most beloved river cities. A longtime teacher, board member, and advocate, Maggie’s life reflected a quiet but profound commitment to education, civic engagement, and the well-being of La Crosse’s youth. Her passing marks the end of an era defined by dedicated stewardship and personal warmth that left an indelible impression on generations of students, colleagues, and community members.

## A Career Rooted in Education and Integrity Maggie Fisher spent decades shaping young minds through her work in local schools, first as an educator and later as a pivotal figure in centralized administrative and board roles. Known for her careful, student-centered approach, she championed inclusive practices long before they became mainstream priorities. “She believed every child deserves a chance to thrive,” recalls former Cowles Museum instructional specialist and close colleague Jane Marlow.

“Her patience wasn’t just kindness—it was strategic, ensuring no one fell through the cracks.” During her tenure on the La Crosse County School Board, Maggie guided key initiatives from curriculum modernization to mental health resource allocation, balancing fiscal prudence with compassion. “Maggie didn’t just look at spreads—she looked at faces,” noted school superintendent Dr. David Kern in an obituary published by the La Crosse Tribune.

“She understood that behind every policy is a story, a family, a hope.” Her influence extended beyond classrooms into policy circles, where her insight helped shape equitable access to education across the city’s diverse communities. ## Below Are Some of Maggie’s Key Contributions

- Served with distinction on the La Crosse County School Board for over 15 years, advising on budget revisions, magnet programs, and equity-driven reforms.
- Spearheaded the district-wide rollout of trauma-informed teaching training, supporting educators navigating complex social challenges.
- Advocated tirelessly for expanded early childhood education funding, recognizing education as a lifelong journey.
- Played a mentor role to dozens of new administrators, emphasizing integrity, empathy, and data-driven decision-making.
- Beloved for her accessibility—earning the affectionate nickname “Maggie Fisher, the Queen of the Hallways” from students and staff alike.

Though she rarely sought the spotlight, Maggie’s presence was felt in every reform enacted, every classroom she visited, and every conversation she sparked about such a shared mission.

Community Stewardship Beyond the Classroom

Outside formal education, Maggie extended her service to broader civic life, most notably through her long association with the La Crosse Theatre and local arts initiatives. As board chair of the Community Arts Center, she helped elevate public access to theater, dance, and music, ensuring cultural enrichment remained accessible to underserved populations. “Arts are not a luxury—they’re a lifeline,” she once said in a ribbon-cutting speech at the center’s revitalization.

Her leadership transformed the space into a hub not just for performance, but for community dialogue and healing. Maggie also served on the La Crosse Downtown Partnership board, where her strategic vision supported revitalization projects that balanced historic preservation with modern needs. “She never gave up on our city’s soul,” said longtime civic collaborator Tom Reynolds.

“Every plan she championed honored our past while building a more hopeful future.”

A Quiet Strength Defined by Integrity

Known for her understated presence and fiscal prudence, Maggie Fisher approached every challenge with clarity and calm. Colleagues remember her for listening deeply—often before speaking—and grounding high-pressure discussions in shared purpose. “She didn’t believe in grand gestures,” said former county executive Lisa Pfeiffer.

“Her impact was in the quiet, consistent work: showing up, asking the right questions, doing the hard things with grace.” Her leadership style, described by peers as collaborative yet decisive, bridged divides across roles and generations. In an era of increasing polarization, Maggie’s commitment to listening and inclusion stood as a quiet but powerful example. “She didn’t measure success by headlines,” said Marlow.

“She measured it by trust—by people knowing Maggie stood with them, not above them.”

Whether advising school boards, shaping theatre programs, or leading downtown renewal, Maggie Fisher embodied what it means to serve with humility and purpose. Her career was a testament to the power of persistent, principled action—crafted not for recognition, but for lasting impact on the people and places she cherished.

As La Crosse settles into a new chapter, the echoes of Maggie’s dedication remain: in classrooms that now better serve, in the theaters that pulse with vibrant energy, and in communities strengthened by her tireless devotion. Her legacy is not merely remembered—it lives on, quietly shaping the future through every student she believed in, every policy she refined, and every neighbor she uplifted.