John Ernest Kistner

John Ernest Kistner also known as “Papa John”, 81, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully on April 11, 2024, in Carmichael, CA, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born on September 15, 1942, in Albany, CA and raised in Pollock Pines, and later Carmichael. He is the only son of Maren Marie Johnson and Ernest Henry Kistner.

John graduated from La Sierra High School in 1960. After high school he enlisted in the Marines where he earned the rank of Lance Corporal. He then attended Sacramento State University and received a degree in Business. After college, he began a career of over 30 years with the State of California, where he retired from the Department of General Services in the

Procurement Division. John enjoyed hiking, camping, the Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco Giants and Boston Celtics, playing football in the front yard, coaching and watching his children play soccer on the weekends, as well as running along the American River Parkway. In his retirement, John and his wife, Barbara, enjoyed traveling, golfing, watching sports, going to concerts, and entertaining family with music, holiday get-togethers and making his Grandma Lena’s legendary Swedish pancakes, for all to enjoy.

John was preceded in death by his loving wife, Barbara Kistner, his mother Maren Johnson, father Ernest Kistner, stepfather John Perkins, and his Uncles Carl & Leif Johnson.

“Papa John” leaves behind son, John Kistner and wife Laura; son, Eric Kistner and significant other Jennifer Griffin; daughter Marayah Carson and husband Ryan; daughter Kirsten Bossio and husband Nick; and stepson’s Bo and Kent Nelson; grandkids: Forrest, Avery, Camille and husband Jack, Elaine, Bradley, Abigail, Paightyn, and Emma Rose; close friends Bob Saner, Gary Miklos and Kermit Blades.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024, at 2pm. The service will be located at East Lawn Funeral Home, in the main chapel, at 5757 Greenback, Sacramento, CA. Reception to follow at 2600 Los Feliz Way, Carmichael, CA 95608

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a local blood bank like, Vitalant or Bloodsource. John was a lifelong donor of life giving blood.