Van Thomas Kistler

Van Thomas Kistler was born on January 1, 1948, n Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Kirk Thomas and Thelma Baxter Kistler. He had a wonderful childhood with his younger sister Joyce, growing up in a brick house that his father built when Van was two years old. He graduated from Wasson High School, University of Colorado-Boulder's College of Electrical Engineering with a Bachelor of Science degree, and the University of Denver with a Masters in Business Administration. He earned his Eagle Scout Award in the Boy Scouts of America, participated in many church activities, and played the viola in his high school and CU orchestras. On Dec. 27, 1975, Van married Sandra Kay Branting in North Platte, Nebraska, and they recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. During those 40 years, he gave flowers to Sandy on the 27th of every month. They made their home in Lakewood, Colorado. They were blessed with two daughters Heather and Lynette and were very involved in all of their activities. His familly was the heart of his life, and he cherished their adventures together. He loved fishing, hiking, camping, climbing Colorado's 14ers, the CU Buffs, and traveling all over the world and across America. He belonged to Capital City Kiwanis Club for many years, serving as the president and Lieutenant Governor and participating in many community service projects with his fellow Kiwanians. He also was very invloved in many activities at Augustana Lutheran Church, including serving on the Church Council. Van earned his Professional Engineering License and was employed at Mountain Bell Telephone/Quest Communications until his retirement. He then worked as an engineering consultant and taught at the University of Denver and Metropolitan State University of Denver. He was a life member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), served as president of the Professional Engineers of Colorado, was a member of Telephone Pioneers, and belonged to the Masons and Shriners. After a lenghthy illness, Van was surrounded by his loving family and close friends when he went to be with God in his Heavenly home on Wednesday, January 13, 2016. He is survived by his wife Sandy, daughter Heather (David Kinz) of Denver, daughter Lynette (Adam Lueders) of Blair, Nebraska, his sister Joyce Johnston of Farmington, New Mexico, plus nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and many wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorial Service Monday, Jan. 18th, 2016, 11:00 AM, Augustana Lutheran Church, 5000 E. Alameda Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Van's honor to: Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp - Campership Fund http://www.rainbowtrail.org/donate/in-memory OR National Parks Foundation https://myaccount.nationalparks.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=458