Richard Kistler

Richard Collins Kistler of Kearney, the beloved son of Will and Nova (Collins) Kistler, was born on Sept. 6, 1935, in Superior, Nebraska. He died Sept. 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 with the Class of 1953.

Richard served his country proudly during 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, a sheriff's deputy for Nuckolls County, a civil defense manager 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, contributing to the preservation of his hometown's legacy.

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. 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.