Fred W. Kistler, Jr., age 87, of Orangeville, passed away on Thursday morning, September 28, 2023, surrounded by his loving family and under the care of Berwick Hospice. Fred was a resident of his home in Orange Township for over 25 years and had previously lived on the Kistler family farm on Ft. McClure Blvd, Bloomsburg for over 62 years.
He was born on Wednesday, July 8, 1936 in Danville, a son of the late Fred W., Sr. and Bessie (Leech) Kistler. Fred graduated from the Bloomsburg High School in 1954. On July 14, 1956, Fred married his loving wife, the former Rebecca "Becky" Carrathers. Fred was a self-employed farmer, and was well known for growing strawberries and vegetables, selling his produce at The Kistler Roadside Stand on Ft. McClure Blvd. The Kistler Farm once received the Pennsylvania Processing Tomato Grower's Highest Yield Award.
Fred was a member of the St. Luke Lutheran Church and previously was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Bloomsburg serving in many functions of the church. He was also a member of the Washington Lodge #265 F. & A.M., Caldwell Consistory, Bloomsburg, The Bryan Run Hunting Club, Lycoming County, and The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. Fred and his wife Becky enjoyed being members of The Danjo Wheelers and Susque Country Square Dance Clubs. He loved gardening, hunting, and family gatherings, especially with his grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Fred was also preceded in death by two sisters, Patricia Diseroad, and Janet K. Vought.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 67 years, Rebecca "Becky" Kistler, four children; Stephen Kistler and spouse Tina of Orangeville, Dr. Diane Kistler of Effingham, NH, Robert Kistler and spouse Wendi of Denton, MD, Brian Kistler and spouse Kimberly of Fredericksburg, VA, seven grandchildren; Jason Kistler and spouse Wesley, Thomas Kistler and spouse Ashley, Lauren McCarty and spouse Dalton, Erin Kistler, Kasey Birth, Finley Kistler, and Rory Kistler.
A time of Visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, October 2, 2023 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 9 St. Lukes Way, Bloomsburg.
Funeral Services will begin on Monday, October 2, 2023 at 11:00 am at St. Luke Lutheran Church with Rev. John A. Mohan, officiating. Graveside committal services will immediately follow in the Lightstreet (Highland) Cemetery. The Allen Funeral Home, Inc., 745 Market at Eighth Street, Bloomsburg is honored to be serving the Kistler family.
Memorial contributions in Fred's name are suggested to: St. Luke Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 9 St. Lukes Way, Bloomsburg, PA 17815.