Guenter F Fichtler

Guenter F. Fichtler, formerly of Cedarburg, passed away on January 17, 2023, at a Rehabilitation Facility, in Orange, California, at the age of 91 years.

Guenter was born on October 2, 1931, in Bobitz, Wismar County, Mecklenburg, Germany, the son of the late Friedrich Fichtler and the late Grete (nee Warnke) Fichtler. At an early age, Guenter truly was inspired by music and that became evident when he learned to play the trumpet. In his late teens to early twenties, he played at dances as well as various churches. In 1952, Guenter left East Germany and moved to West Germany for political asylum. He believed in German democracy. Upon arriving in West Germany, Guenter studied to be a Dental Technician. After successfully completing his apprenticeship, he earned his master craftsman qualification.

Guenter married his wife, Erika (nee Schraml) Schwarz, in Germany on October 13, 1967.

In 1969, at the age of 38, Guenter and Erika relocated to the United States to make a new home for his family. He landed in San Antonio, Texas, for about 4 years, then moved to Phoenix, Arizona, for another 2, and finally ended up making Utah his home for the next 22 years. Guenter worked for a dental lab and soon he and Erika were inspired to start their own business. He and Erika started the Euro Dental Lab where they owned and operated that business for the next 18 years. Guenter continually received the highest of accolades from the Dentists he served for the quality of his workmanship.

Upon his retirement, Guenter and Erika relocated to Cedarburg, Wisconsin, to be closer to family. He could be found walking around the downtown area, in Cedarburg, almost every day, soaking up the city’s beauty as well as just enjoying the nature around him. When he wasn’t out and about, Guenter enjoyed woodworking, listening to music, and watching movies. Guenter loved to listen to classical music, including Beethoven and Mozart, as well as German brass band music which he had also performed in his youth. Every week Guenter looked forward to his weekly Netflix mailer and watching the movie of the week. For many years in his later retirement, Guenter found meaningful volunteer work as a German to English translator. Guenter was skilled at translating both modern German and older pre-20th century German written before the modern German era. One of the highlights of Guenter’s week was going out to lunch with one of his close friends and enjoying good conversation over a meal.

Guenter was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Erika on April 28, 2001, his older brother Erich Fichtler in 1942 and his younger brother Manfred Fichtler in 2020.

Guenter is survived by his daughters: Sieglinde Schreiner (Schwarz) of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, Ingrid Schwarz of Liebenau, Germany, and Christa Headington (Steiger, Schwarz) of Orange County, California; grandson, Frank (Carmen) Steiger of Orange County, California, and extended family members, including cousins and nephews in Germany.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Mueller Funeral Home & Crematory, in Cedarburg, on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 11:30AM. The family will receive friends and guests, from 10:00 AM until the time of service. A private burial will take place at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Cemetery, in Mequon, following the memorial service. Memorials of your choice are appreciated.