John Fidler

John Fidler, 66, of Palmdale, Calif., died Saturday, May 8, 2004, while vacationing in Nice, France.

He was born May 8, 1938, in Cambridge, Neb., son of E.H. and Elizabeth Fidler. He married Peggy Burtch.

Fidler received a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from Black Hills State University in Spearfish, S.D., a master's degree in microbiology from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, and an MBA in hospital administration from the University of Florida at Gainesville.

A 30-year career in hospital and health-care administration included serving as president and chief executive officer at St. Francis Medical Center from 1992 to 1997.

Prior to that he was chief executive officer of Daniel Freeman Hospitals Inc. in Inglewood, Calif., from 1989 to 1991, and was president and chief executive officer of St. Mary's Medical Center Inc. in West Palm Beach, Fla.

The Fidlers returned to California after leaving Cape Girardeau.

Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Christina Fidler of Palmdale; three brothers, Paul Fidler of Hastings, Neb., Jerry Fidler of Willows, Calif., Ken Fidler of Deadwood, S.D.; four sisters, Delores Groothuis of Kokomo, Ind., Winifred Rodarmel of Spearfish, Ernestine Reeves of Akron, Ohio, and Judy Fidler of Deadwood.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

Fidler's body was cremated in France. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Memorial United Methodist Church in McCook, Neb. Dr. Jeffrey Thurman will officiate.