Lois Kistler

Lois Kistler, age 79, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026, in St. John, Indiana.

She was born in 1947 to loving parents, Arthur “Art” Vander Vliet and Jeanette (Auwerda) Vander Vliet of Highland, Indiana. She married Wendell “Wendy” Kistler, who preceded her in death in 2021 after 52 years together. She loved her family dearly and is survived by her sister, Eleanor Boelens; children Julie (Russ) DeYoung, James (Lori) Kistler, and Kevin (Kirsten) Kistler; and grandchildren Olivia, Skye, Noah, and Karley.

She grew her circle of friends wherever she went: as a stay-at-home mom, a nurse, a companion caregiver, a member of Faith Highland (First Christian Reformed Church), a neighbor, and a memory care resident. Her favorite activities included playing card games, drinking coffee with friends, and singing at church.

She never hesitated to babysit, watch her children's dogs, or help with after-school pick-ups. Birthdays always came with a phone call and a month-long celebration, and Christmases lasted over 6 hours to open the mountains of carefully wrapped presents. She found any excuse she could to share a “little happy” with her children and grandchildren to brighten their days and always made time to spend with those she loved.

She now rests with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 31, 2026, at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8941 Kleinman Rd. (one block south of Ridge Rd.) Highland, Indiana, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The memorial service will be held directly following with burial at Hope Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Illiana Christian High School, 10920 Calumet Ave., Dyer, Indiana.

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