James B. Kistner

James B. Kistner, known to family and friends as Jim, died on October 9, 2026, at the age of 91. He was born on May 1, 1935, in Toledo, Ohio, and his death was recorded in a notice published through Walker Funeral Homes and Crematory of Toledo and Sylvania Township and carried by The Blade, Toledo's daily newspaper.

Kistner was not a public figure in the conventional sense of politics, entertainment, sports or business. He lived what his family described as an ordinary and meaningful life built around home, family and community rather than public titles or achievements. According to the obituary shared by his family, he spent many years living in Phoenix, Arizona, though Toledo, the city of his birth, remained important to him throughout his life.

Those who knew him recalled simple, steady pleasures. He enjoyed baking for the people he loved, and he followed Ohio State football and the Cleveland baseball team with enthusiasm. His family remembered him above all as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, and described him as a person whose kindness, humility and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Kistner was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey William and Helen Kistner, his wife Louise Kistner, his brother Bill Kistner, his sister Kathy, and his stepson Mark Kahl. He is survived by his children Debbie Boisselle, Tim Kistner and Tami Schmidlin, his stepson Greg Kahl, his brother Tom Kistner, nine grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, and a wide circle of extended family and friends.

News of his death prompted private condolences from family and friends through the funeral home's online guestbook rather than wider public tributes, reflecting his standing as a beloved private citizen rather than a public figure. His family chose to frame his legacy not around accomplishments or titles but around the relationships he built and the example he set, language that has resonated with those leaving messages of remembrance.

As of this writing, no cause of death has been made public. A celebration of life has been planned for his family and community to gather and remember him.