Carl Richard Kistler
C. (Carl) Richard Kistler of Osceola Mills, PA passed away in the early morning hours of December 17, 2025, at the age of 83, from complications with heart disease and kidney failure.
He is predeceased by his parents James Kistler and Marie (Kauffman)Kistler, his younger brother Robert Kistler, his son Theodore Kistler and his grandson, Brandon Vogel.
He is survived by his older brother James Kistler and his sister Marianne (Bunny) Abraczinskas, as well as his daughters, Theresa Kistler Vogel and her husband James of Madera, PA. Jennifer Kistler Rosen, and her husband, Jay of Ft. Myers, along with his four grandchildren, Nicole Rosen, Hannah Vogel, Natalie Vogel, and Jordan Vogel and great-granddaughter Eternity Vogel. He is also survived by his former wife, Bonita Matthews Kistler as well as several nieces, nephews and great- nieces and nephews.
Rick was born on November 4th, 1942, and grew up in Montclair, New Jersey before moving with his family to Philipsburg, PA when he was in high school. He graduated from Philipsburg Osceola High School in 1961. 
Rick proudly served for 3 years as Gunnery Sergeant for the US Marine Corp and for 7 years in the Marine Corp Reserves.
He married Bonnie in1963. Together they raised their family of five in Osceola Mills. Rick became a self-taught, successful businessman when he opened his mobile homes sales business, Summit Homes, and managed it for 20 years. He served on the PA Mobile Home Association Board of Directors for 10 years. He later went on to work in sales for Primerica Life Insurance and Mutual Funds for another 20 years. Within those years, he also managed his family’s laundromat and landlord businesses as a washing machine mechanic, plumber, electrician, carpenter, and furnace repairs.
Rick was very dedicated to his work in community service for the Philipsburg – Osceola Area. He was proud to be on the Kiwanis Board of Directors for 50 consecutive years. He was a Cub Master with the Boy Scouts for 3 years and on the Jaycees Board of Directors for 5 years. Rick also served on the Board of Directors for the Philipsburg Revitalization Corporation for 10 years and the Board of Directors for the Moshannon Valley Economic Development Partnership for 19 years. He also joined the Toastmasters Club, which he said between that and his time in the military, he was able to recover from stuttering. He was often asked to deliver Memorial Day speeches for community services in both Philipsburg and Osceola Mills. He volunteered his time at the YMCA food distribution center for 4 years and could often be seen ringing the bell for the Salvation Army during the Holidays.
Rick lived a full and happy life. One of his many joys was traveling to see the world and share it with his family and friends. His extensive travel list includes 3 visits to Hawaii, 7 Caribbean Cruises, 4 trips to Toronto and Niagara Falls, 7 family vacations to Walt Disney World and so many others. More than any of his accomplishments, his greatest pride and joy was his family. No matter how busy he was, he always made time for his family.
Rick was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be remembered by his family and friends and so many others who came to know him for his sense of humor and easy-going personality. He was genuinely a kind-hearted, generous, and gentle man.
A Memorial Service will follow at a later date.
Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, LLC, Osceola Mills, PA is in charge of arrangements.
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