Ray Herbert Kistler

Ray Herbert Kistler, 82, a longtime resident of Sandpoint, Idaho, passed away April 9, 2021, at Bonner General Hospital.  He was born September 24, 1938, in Mitchell, South Dakota, a son of Ray and Lillian Kistler.

Ray was a graduate of Mission Bay High School, in San Diego, California.  For many years, he served as an apprentice and journeyman tile setter.  He became a highly skilled and sought-after tile setter who operated his own business, known as Kistler Tile. He was joined by his son, Gary, in the business.  His workmanship is displayed in many Sandpoint businesses, stores and homes, as well as other areas.

Raised on a South Dakota farm, and eventually started his own ranch in Sandpoint, Ray enjoyed raising cows and growing hay on his hill topped, treed ranch.  Ray was known as a family man, he enjoyed maintaining his ranch together with his son Gary and they were often found tinkering with and keeping all his farm equipment in running condition.  Ray enjoyed many outdoor activities when he wasn’t setting tile. In his younger years he loved camping, fishing and snowmobiling with his family. He was well known for his skill at barbequing. He had an infectious laugh, and could always see the humor, sometimes off color, in any situation and will be greatly missed. 

Ray and his wife of 54 years, Jeannie, moved from San Diego to Sandpoint with their two young children in 1974 after falling in love with the area while on a trip to Spokane for the 1974 World’s Fair.

He is survived by a son, Gary Kistler, and a daughter, LaRae Kistler, both of Sandpoint; one sister, Deloris Douglas of Vale, Oregon three grandchildren; Grandsons Jarrett and Austin Jackson and Granddaughter Jordan Jackson; many nieces, nephews, family members and friends.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeannie (Martin) Kistler, in May, 2020 and his brother, Donald Kistler.

Graveside services will be held at Pinecrest Memorial Park at  1:30 P.M. Saturday, April 17.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Laughing Dog Brewery immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to Panhandle Special Needs would be appreciated.