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BORN
1950
DIED
2024
Stephen Fistler Obituary
Stephen "Steve" Fistler
Stephen "Steve" Fistler, a man of unwavering dedication to his family and friends, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 25, 2024, at age 74, surrounded by his family.
Steve is survived by his devoted wife, Tresa, of 53 years; son, Eli (Cheryl); daughter, Sally (Brett); grandsons: Ricky (Kristien) and Hunter; granddaughter, Britney; and many other extended family members.
Steve was born to Kenneth and Madelyn Fistler and grew up in Napa, CA. He joined the fire department while still a teenager, demonstrating his early commitment to public service. Steve spent two years as a seasonal firefighter for CDF before becoming a permanent firefighter at the Napa station. Around 1976, he moved his family to Lake County, CA, and soon after, he was promoted to Captain with CDF. Steve spent most of his career at Station 31 in Middletown, CA, where he was known for his leadership, mentoring many firefighters, and being a trustworthy colleague and friend.
Even after retiring in 2001, Steve's dedication to helping others never waned, and he would often stop at the scene of accidents to assist first responders. Steve loved his family and worked hard to provide a memorable life. Over the years, he enjoyed taking his family on camping trips, fishing, hunting, and car races. After retirement, Steve found a love for hot rods belonging to a couple of local car clubs. With help from family and friends, he restored a Chevy SS, which won him several trophies at car shows over the years.
Please join the family on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Station 31 CAL-Fire station 15522, Lake St. Middletown, CA, in celebrating the life of Steve.
Instead of flowers, please make donations to the California Waterfowl Association: https://calwaterfowl.org/donate.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Fistler
Carolyn Hall
March 29, 2025
I can't believe it's been one year since we lost Stephen. I will always remember him fondly and with in a piece of my own history. When I think of Stephen I think of wonderful peaceful days of early school days at Westwood Elementary and my mother who taught there. I miss those days in these crazy days but thoughts of Stephen and other friends at school bring back a rich and meaningful history. Rest in peace Stephen and know that even those of us who knew you in our younger years remember you fondly.
Carolyn Hall
February 13, 2025
Still remembering Steve and the wonderful days of living in Napa. Unfortunately, those days are long gone and the world has changed. Those were innocent times and I adored them. My mother taught at Westwood Elementary and I attended there along with Steve. That was a long time ago but some memories last a lifetime.
Mike Keesee, aka Batt 1312
January 28, 2025
Still miss and often think of my great working partner and friend. Steve was a do anything for you man.... no matter what the situation presented, Steve would always drop what he was doing or planned on doing to help you. He worked nearly his entire career in Lake county...starting at station 31 as an FAE and later promoting to FIre Captain I think first at Clearlake Oaks station where we worked together, both as Fire Captains where is was a great partner. Shortly thereafter he transferred to Middletown station 31 and finished his great long and productive career. Loved him like a brother. Mike Keesee, retired Battalion Chief, Lake County.
Carolyn Hall
April 19, 2024
I went through grade school at Westwood Elementary in Napa, CA. Steve was in many of my classes and was always someone who was friendly and funny. It's true as they say in "Stand by Me" that some of your best friends were early in your life. Rest in peace.
Evan Torres
April 17, 2024
The first . time I met Steve was in the early 70's He worked with my brother Mike for CDF. I had just gotten my hunting license and we all three went to Grizzly Island pre dawn very early. Steve was driving his El Camino. I remember thinking how cool this was, it's a car and a truck. We all got checked in to the hunting unit and headed out into the marsh. The excitement I felt as a new hunter out with these two seasoned vets is indescribable. My brother headed off somewhere in behind us in the pond and Steve was on my right about 30 yards away. When shooting time arrived I heard a "Psssst" when I looked over at Steve he said," Remember,I'm right here. Your zone of fire is out in front like so." A lone coot flew by me which I thought was a drake mallard or some other prized species and I blazed away at it. It had flown right by Steve but he didn't shoot. I thought he had just missed it. It happened again with another coot. I blazed away and it flew off untouched. It suddenly dawned upon me and I asked him if that was a coot and he just nodded his head up and down. Later on in the season I was hunting with my brother at Delevan and the first duck I ever shot was a drake cinnamon teal. My brother and I stopped by Steve's house on the way home and he did the taxidermy on it. I still have it on the wall in my house,well over 50 years old. How lucky was I to be mentored by these two guys I cant express.
Lynette Stout
April 17, 2024
So sorry to hear of Steves passing. Oscar and I had many fun, wonderful memories and CDF parties with Steve. Much love to the family
Michael Dean Keesee
April 11, 2024
Steve came to Middletown station 31 in the mid 70's as an engineer and worked for me , fire captain Mike Keesee. Steve was a dedicated cdf employee..
A hard worker that always did each and every assignment or task outstandingly..
Always. Mike Keesee retired battalion and chief. RIP my great friend
Norm Silver
April 5, 2024
Steve was a Fireman and an Engineer for me in the CDFF Napa Battalion. He was a hard worker, very well suited to the profession and He made many good contributions to our emergency services operation. Our friendship continued through the CDF Wagon Train. Tresa we share in your loss.
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