On July 1, 1985 by assignment of Bishop Michael F. McAuliffe Father John Fischer, a native of Tipton, Missouri, became the new (the thirteenth) pastor of St. Peter Parish. When he came to St. Peter's Father Fischer served also as chairman of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission, a position he wasto hold until 1988. Personally he was an outstanding tenor vocalist. It seemed natural for him to place great emphasis on the sacred liturgy and liturgical music. This was fortuitous because he found at St. Peter's much excellent musical talent. In 1987, the Church organ was renovated and the addition of thirteen ranks by the Quimby Pipe Organ Company was completed. The cost of the project was $80,000. The organ was blessed on June 21, 1987 by Bishop McAuliffe. Mr Carl Burkel gave the first concert, on the new organ, soon after.
During Father Fischer's pastorate our parish continued to thrive and progress in other ways. In 1987, St. Peter's joined other local parishes in a social concerns effort to help families of the area who were less fortunate than most of us. This resulted in the Samaritan Center which helps provide needy people with basic necessities. It is located at Immaculate Conception Parish. St. Peter's continues to participate fully. Our parish has members on the board of directors, volunteers who work there, and takes up a special Samaritan Center Collection at all Masses monthly. Also, beginning in 1989, there has been tremendous parish participation each year in the Advent Giving Tree project to provide Christmas gifts and food for underprivileged people in our area.
In 1989, repairs were done on the bell tower and lights were installed to illuminate the tower and clocks at night. That same year, every roof of every building was replaced or repaired. The final major improvement was the restoration of all the perimeter walls around the parish property.
The 100th anniversary of St. Peter School building took place in 1990. A total of 461 students reaped the benefits of a Catholic education that year. Vogelweid Learning Center also noted 25 years of providing a quality education to the students with special educational needs. A pictorial directory was published that same year. This provided the occasion to tally the parish census; it showed 1650 families in 1990.
Associate Pastors during Father Fischer's Pastorate were: Revs. John Schutty (1983-1985), Gary Pool (1984-1987), Bill Dent (1985-1987), Robert Kurwicki (1987-1990), Frank Westhoff (1987-1992), Alex Luetkemeyer, OSB (1990-1993), Daniel Lueckenotte (1990-1991), James Finder (1991-1992). Principals of St. Peter School were: Sister Mary Ann Greenwald, SSND (1985-1989), Sister Kathleen Koenen, SSND (1989-1991), and Ms. Mary Ellen Budnik (1991-present).