He was a native of Illinois and graduated from DePaul University in Chicago. He received medical degrees from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and the University of Loyola Medical School in Chicago. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and had a family medical practice in the southern suburbs of Chicago.

He was dean of the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine for 20 years and served on the board of directors of the Illinois Regional Programs and the Council on Continuing Education for Illinois. He was a representative to the White House Conference on Health, a consultant to the Health Professions Educational Program and a member of the Graduate Medical Educational National Advisory Committee of the HRA.

He was a member of University Presbyterian Church in Chapel Hill, where he was a deacon and a member of the stewardship committee.

A memorial service will be conducted Saturday, April 12, at 3 p.m. at University Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include a daughter, Sherrie Kistner of Crete, Ill.; three sons, James R. Kistner of Roanoke, Va., William C. Kistner of Winston-Salem and Robert G. Kistner of Raleigh; two step-daughters, Judith Christopher of Raleigh and Katherine Christopher of Mahtomedi, Minn.; a stepson, Wiley J. Christopher of Fairfield, Iowa; nine grandchildren, five step-grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Memorials may be made to University Presbyterian Church.

Arrangements are by Walker's Funeral Home of Chapel Hill.