Franklin Dewain Kistle passed away on November 16, 2025, in his home with family. He was 82 years old.

No services are planned but there will be a Celebration of Life in 2026.

Frank was born on April 30, 1943 in Grass Valley, CA at Community Hospital. He was the oldest of four children born to Ernest and Erma Kistle. He always worked and played hard.

Frank’s first job was delivering newspapers door to door in Grass Valley with his dog Puggy. Frank joined the Navy at the age of 17 and shared stories of being on the USS Constellation. He received an Honorable Discharge and returned to Grass Valley to be with his two young daughters Bobbie and Sandy.

After returning, Frank’s sister Sue introduced him to Sharryn. They immediately hit it off and were married July 31, 1966. Frank and Sharryn had two more children, son Eric and daughter Sharra.

Frank started working for PG&E shortly after his return. He also worked weekends at his in-laws restaurant and bar. He bartended for Aldo and Charlotte Santinelli in Nevada city until they sold years later. Frank had countless stories about the good old days and wild times there. Continuing with PG&E he worked his way up to Lineman-Foreman, traveled and even had a few accidents before retiring after 35 years.

Frank’s love of cars started at a young age. In his life he owned, restored and sold more vehicles than anyone can recall. His beloved big yellow 59’ being the one he never let go. He was a Chevy guy for life. He made many close friends while doing what he loved. He lived his whole life in Grass Valley and wouldn’t have raised his family any where else. Frank enjoyed camping and took yearly friends and family trips to Fort Bragg, CA and Lake Almanor.

He will be remembered by all as a story telling, wise and quick witted, left handed, hardworking, loyal, take no BS, bionic, good old boy who loved anything hot rod, whistling, joking, friends and most of all, his family.

Frank is survived by his wife Sharryn Kistle of Nevada City, his daughter Bobbie (Bob) Barone, daughter Sandy Kistle, son Eric Kistle, daughter Sharra (Micah) Foster, Grandsons Cody Barone, Nathanial Schisler, and Corbin Foster, Granddaughters Samantha McMahan, Maranda Schisler and Keara Kistle, 10 great-grandkids, one great great grandchild and sister Wendy Kistle. Plus countless nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He’s preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Erma Kistle, sister Sue Sullivan, brother Ron Kistle, Grandson Leslie Schofield, Father-in-law Aldo Santinelli and mother-in-law Charlotte Rooney.