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Kermit Kistler Obituary
Kermit K. Kistler, M.D., 93 of Allentown, passed away on May 14, 2009. He was the husband of Eleanor S. (Gift) Kistler, who passed away on April 7, 2009. Dr. Kistler was born in Parryville, son of the late Claude and Stella (Miller) Kistler. Dr. Kistler was a graduate of Muhlenberg College and Hahnemann Medical College. He interned at the U.S. Marine Hospital and after serving in the Navy, he took postgraduate courses at Harlem Eye and Ear Hospital, George Washington University and Harvard University. He was chief of the medical department of the U.S. department of commerce, Washington, D.C. He was a member of the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalomology and the American Medical Association. Dr Kistler was on the staff of all Allentown Hospitals and director of the eye clinic at Sacred Heart Hospital. For 15 years, he served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Kutztown University. Survivors: Daughters, Alice Hammond and her husband, Jake, Mary Hunter, Sally Miller and her husband, Darryl and Kerry Kistler; sons, Jonathan Kistler and daughter-in-law, Diane Kistler and James Kistler and his wife, Tina. 12 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; sister, Wilma Uhrich. Services: Private services and burial in Grandview Cemetery, Allentown. Funeral arrangements are by the Sell-Herron Funeral Home, 1145 Lehigh Street, Allentown. Contributions: May be made to the charity of choice.
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Memories and Condolences
for Kermit Kistler
Pete Gift
June 15, 2009
I also have many good memories of Uncle Kermit.
One episode in particular always comes back to me:
I had brought eight lab mice to his office so he could examine their eyes for my grade school science project. The scene was pretty comical with me holding each curious mouse by the tail on the cage top as the doctor peered into every little beady eye. He finished in just a few minutes, always talking and making it all seem effortless. I was deeply impressed, but didn't realize it until much later.
You're all in my thoughts.
Andrea Gift
June 3, 2009
My thoughts are with all of you. I will always remember how the house filled up with laughter and mischief when Great Uncle Kermit and Aunt Eleanor showed up at the shore. He entertained us with magic tricks, treats and lively conversation. Just thinking about it makes me hear my father laughing and saying "Oh Kermit..." He truly showed us by example that it's important to enjoy life and love your family to the best of your ability. I will always be telling Uncle Kermit stories.
May 31, 2009
Mike & Elanor Turko and family
Kathleen Dougherty
May 20, 2009
Sincere Condolences to the Kistler Family--My Dad(John Walter) was a neighborhood friend of Dr. Kistler. Our visits for eye exams throughout the years included conversations of their times together in Allentown; we got to know a little more of our Dad as a youngster through Dr. Kistler! I think there was also a conversation about wanting to join the Circus at one time?! We continued seeing him with our children until his retirement. Our sincere sympathy, also, on the passing of Mrs. Kistler.
Jim Gift
May 19, 2009
My deepest sympathy is with all your families. Having lost both my Dad and Mom in the last several years and know what a loss it is, especially when you lose both in such short period. I have very fond memories of both of your parents. They were generous and fun to spend time with. Your Dad was the only person I ever knew who tried to eat ice cream while walking on his hands!
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
David Hoffman
May 19, 2009
Kermit was my neighbor across the hall. I was always amazed how busy and "on the go" he was all the time. He always had time though to "chit chat" and to see how you were. I will always remember him and us neighbors will miss him.
Craig Gift
May 18, 2009
My sincerest condolences. I have such fond memories of sneaking away with Kermit to buy cookies and ice cream during our vacations in Seaside Park. He was always such a bright and jovial personality! He will be missed.
Barb Plumlee
May 18, 2009
My deepest sympathy to the Kistler family.
Dr. Kistler was my first eye doctor and was so patient while I tried for what seemed like hours to put my first contacts in at his office. Since my eyes became so red, he told me to come back the next day...in order to give them a rest. I was determined and the next day, I finally got them in and he was able to confirm the fit. I looked forward to seeing him....such a great and friendly personality.
My prayers are with you.
Ed & Ginger SIlfies Family
May 17, 2009
Dear Dr.Kistlers Family,He was our eye doctor for many years.He not only was our doctor but a good friend and gave us much valued advice.Our prayers are with you .He will be missed by many.
John Gift
May 17, 2009
Dear Cousins, I am indebited to your dad for a number of reasons. He never tired of being a doctor when needed. Through his help and connections my weak eye was surgically repaired @ the Harlem Hospital when I was a few years old. Assigning me to Mr. Risko(sp?) as a laborer to help build that 4-car garage addition allowed me to make some much needed money as a teen. I credit that good, hard work in putting on the muscles and strength to eventually get me through college level sports. I would not have afforded Lehigh otherwise. Also, by sometimes working in his office I saw how generous he was with his patients that were less fortunate than others. His kindness was genuine.
My thoughts are with you all at your father's passing.
Jeanne Schwoyer
May 17, 2009
Dear Sally, Darryl, and Girls, We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your father and grandfather. Of course, we first remember him as our eye doctor, "Better this way, better that way." But we also remember him at family gatherings, such as birthday parties. He always had a good word to say. Our prayers are with you all. Jeanne and Rick Schwoyer
Richard Miller
May 17, 2009
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow. May you find comfort in the memory of the wonderful life he lived.
Dick & Karen Miller
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