Christian Biography of Richard C. Kistler

Richard Collins Kistler of Kearney, the beloved son of Will and Nova (Collins) Kistler, was born on September 6, 1935 in Superior, Nebraska. He passed away on September 2, 2024 at the Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 88 years, 11 months, 27 days.

He spent his childhood in Superior, where he attended school in the Portland Heights area, nurturing a love for trains that would become a lifelong passion. He graduated from Superior High School class of 1953.

Richard served his country proudly as a veteran of the Korean War. He married Ellen Marie Schutte on March 21, 1962 at Lawrence, Nebraska. They were blessed with six children. After his service, he pursued a diverse and fulfilling career, including roles as a police officer in Superior, NE, a sheriff's deputy for Nuckolls County, a civil engineer, and a police dispatcher.

He was also a respected train historian and author, sharing his passion and extensive knowledge with fellow enthusiasts and loved ones. In his free time, he studied and wrote articles on the history of Superior, NE, contributing to the preservation of his hometown's legacy.

In addition to his work as a train historian, Richard was also deeply interested in the history of Superior, Ne. In in free time, he studied and wrote articles on the town's rich history, helping to preserve the stories and legacy of his beloved hometown.

Richard was a devoted husband to Ellen and a loving father to Teresa (Jerry) Wardyn, David (Patty), Michael (Wendi), John (Angelisa), and Mark (Erin). He was a proud grandfather to Derek (Carrie), Candice (Sam) Strella, Logan, Mia, Mikayla, ShyAnn, Baylee, Mak, Thomas, Charlie, and Sebastian, and a great-grandfather to Cedar. Richard cherished his family deeply, often sharing his joy for trains and history with them. He is preceded in death by his son, James, who remains close to heart.

Richard Kistler will be deeply missed, but his love for trains, history, and his family will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Mass of Christian burial was held on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at10:30 am from St. Joseph Catholic Church in Superior with Rev. Steven Major officiating. Lector was Mark Kistler, Acolyte was John Price and Altar Server was Sebastian Kistler.

Music was "Amazing Grace," "On Eagle's Wings" and "You Raise Me Up," with Stephanie Thayer as soloist and Mary Statz as the accompanist.

Visitation was held on Friday from 4-8 with the family present from 6-7.

Pallbearers were Logan Wardyn, Derek Kistler, Thomas Kistler, Charlie Kistler, Sam Strella and Jerry Wardyn. Honorary Pallbearers were Sebastian Kistler

Interment with military honors was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Superior, Nebraska.

Memorials are suggested to go to the Nuckolls County Historical Society & Museum.

Condolences may be sent to Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N Commercial, Superior, Nebraska 68978 or in care of www.pricefuneralhomes.com.

Megrue-Price Funeral Home of Superior, Nebraska was in charge of the arrangements.