Obituaries

November 21, 1934 to June 16, 2023

WINAMAC - Floyd Dean “Pap” Kistler, 88, of Valparaiso (formerly of Lowell), passed away Friday, June 16, at Aviva of Valparaiso.

He was born Nov. 21, 1934 in Winamac, to the late Floyd Elroy and Letha Marie [Stewart] Kistler. He grew up on a dairy farm and attended Fairview School. He graduated from Star City High School in 1952 where he was a Yell Leader. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.

Dean Kistler

He is survived by:
Numerous Nieces and Nephews (and their families)

Preceded in death by:
Garnet Emma Rearick, Sister
Lee Grant Kistler, Brother
Esther Denelia Hayes, Sister
Grace Thelma Straw, Sister
Thale Mae Feltis, Sister
Lura Elnora Feltis, Sister
Helen Marie Brown, Sister
Doris Baggerley, Sister
Kenneth Keith Kistler, Brother
Janetta Jane Grice, Sister
2 Nephews and 2 Nieces

Mr. Kistler served four years at Greenville Air Force Base in Mississippi where he received laboratory technician training. He made many lifelong friends during his time in the service. After receiving an honorable discharge, he returned to Indiana. He continued his military service in the U.S. Air Force Reserve until 1963. He founded the Crown Point Clinical Laboratory which he operated for nearly 40 years. He was truly a pioneer in his industry. He made his home in Lowell where he became an active member of Indian Trail Grange #2361. He served as the president of Indiana Grange for over a decade. He cherished the relationships he made while active in the Grange.

A man with diverse hobbies and interests, Mr. Kistler enjoyed music of all kinds. He could play any song on the piano “by ear” and had a beautiful singing voice. He was fascinated with the old west. He enjoyed numerous trips to Wyoming, especially attending the Cody Rodeo. He loved the outdoors, especially vegetable gardening and bird watching. He canned his own vegetables for numerous years. He was a talented cook and baker. He valued trips to Turkey Run State Park (with anyone who would go with him).He was very kind and generous. He was always committed to his family who lovingly called him “Pap.” He had a big heart and held on to all that mattered most to him. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Aviva and Dunes Hospice for their tender and passionate care of Uncle Pap.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, June 23, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. (Friday), at the funeral home with Rev. Edward Clark officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to Indian Trail Grange or Dunes Hospice.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.