Floyd Dean “Pap” Kistler
Floyd Dean “Pap” Kistler, 88, of Valparaiso, formerly of Lowell, passed away on Friday, June 16, at Aviva of Valparaiso.
He was born on Nov. 21, 1934, in Winamac, to the late Floyd Elroy and Letha Marie (Stewart) Kistler. Dean 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, Dean enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He served four years at Greenville Air Force Base in Mississippi where he received laboratory technician training. Dean 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.
Dean founded the Crown Point Clinical Laboratory which he operated for nearly 40 years. He was truly a pioneer in his industry. Dean 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.
Dean was a man with diverse hobbies and interests. He enjoyed music of all kinds. He could play any song on the piano “by ear” and had a beautiful singing voice. Dean was fascinated with the old west. He enjoyed numerous trips to Wyoming, especially attending the Cody Rodeo. Dean loved the outdoors, especially vegetable gardening and bird watching. He canned his own vegetables for numerous years. He was a talented cook and baker. Dean valued trips to Turkey Run State Park (with anyone who would go with).
Dean 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.
He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
Preceded in death by parents: Floyd Elroy and Letha Marie (Stewart) Kistler; sisters: Garnet Emma Rearick, Esther Denelia Hayes, Grace Thelma Straw, Thale Mae Feltis, Lura Elnora Feltis, Helen Marie Brown, Doris Baggerley and Janetta Jane Grice; brothers: Lee Grant Kistler and Kenneth Keith Kistler; two nephews and two nieces.
Visitation was from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Friday, June 23, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m., Friday, June 23, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac, with Rev. Edward Clark officiating.
Burial took place at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.
Memorial contributions may be made to Indian Trail Grange or Dunes Hospice.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
(Pulaski County Journal — June 28, 2023)