
Waltrip High School
Class Of 1965
Genie Hackenjos Kistler
Residing In: | Hartford, SD USA |
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Spouse/Partner: | Gary L. Kistler |
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Occupation: | United Methodist Clergy, retired |
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Children: | Gary's family includes 5 living children: Mark, Marcia, Kim, David, Dan and 14 grandchildren and 4 More…great grandchildren --instant family! |
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After graduation I went on to Southwestern University and then got my "Mrs." degree. I worked for a time at the Houston Chronicle and subbed in the HISD for a bit before Sam and I moved to Glenwood Springs, CO. Over the years we also lived in Mtn. Home, AR, and Windsor, CO and I began work on my Master of Divinity degree at the Iliff School of Theology in 1976. We divorced in 1982.
I served as pastor for 5 congregations in the Dakotas (3 in ND and 2 in SD) from 1980 - 2010. Yes, it's cold, but the people are warm! I retired March 21, 2010 and was married March 27, 2010, so have had a busy spring!
I own a home in Hot Springs Village, AR and Gary has a farm here in Hartford, so we will probably develop into that breed known as "snow birds." In addition to ministry, I have been fortunate to have a large variety of travel opportunities, including 49 states, 8 Canadian provinces, Europe, Africa, Asia and Central America.
Most recently I spent 3 weeks in Germany - on my own with a rental car - and had a blast! I visited a couple of friends and took my time seeing what the tour buses rush through. It was fabulous, and I discoverd that my long-ago days in Frau Ruse's German classes at WHS were still serving me well!
I enjoy reading and gardening. I bowl on a church leage where forgiveness is important! I have a mutt named Snickelfritz who keeps me alerted to every squirrel and bird that comes near the yard.
I've made it back to Houston for several of the reunions, but find I've missed some important ones, so this is a great way to find about folks.
I edited the Tribune our last semester at Waltrip. It meant walking a fine line between the "fun" journalism of the Black Jr. High Banner and the "real world" of journalism for which the course was designed and to which Mrs. Early, the sponsor, was committed. So, some of the students thought the Tribune should include more "fun" and features. We complied on April 1 with an EXTRA composed entirely of lies and intrigue, and it was fun to watch, hear, and receive the responses! I never knew for sure how many students went running to the guidance counselors after they read that the number of credits for graduation had been increased - immediately!
On a more serious note, I also remember my Dad driving a carload of us to Rice University Stadium to hear/see President Kennedy the day before he was assassinated. For some, it was a way to get out of school for part of a day. Little did we know . . .
Genie's Latest Interactions
Posted on: May 13, 2020 at 11:49 PM
Hey, Ben--I just was getting caught up on the WHS website and noted your post about Kay's death. I'm so sorry for your loss. I didn't know her well in high school, but I do remember the memories and time we shared at our 50th class reunion, and such a sweet note she sent me afterwards. You write very well about the wonderful life you shared, and I know that while you must miss her terribly, you are also grounded in the assurance of your faith. Just wanted to let you know I've been thinking of you. Genie (Hackenjos) Kistler
Posted on: Sep 19, 2018 at 5:24 PM
Happy Birthday to you! Hope you are having a good 72nd -- can you believe it????
Posted on: Jun 19, 2018 at 10:03 PM
Hey, Kenneth -- Hope your birthday has been a good one. (Glad I found this notice before I missed it all together!)
Happy Birthday, Terry! Eat lots of cake, 'cuz tomorrow Lent begins!
Genie
Posted on: Sep 18, 2017 at 12:14 AM
Happy Birthday tomorrow!
How 'bout this??? I'm actually early rather than sending it belatedly!
Posted on: Jun 19, 2016 at 11:20 AM
Happy Birthday! It was good seeing you at the reunion -- was that already almost a year ago???? -- Best wishes! Genie
Posted on: Sep 11, 2015 at 5:33 PM
Carol, It was so good visiting with you on Friday night at the reunion! Wasn't the whole weekend a blast? Since I don't get back to Houston except for reunions, it's good to know others make the effort to go and make it worthwhile to make the trip. We just got home from the trip on Labor Day, after side trips to San Antonio, Arkansas, and a wedding in Illinois. But the reunion was tops! Take care. Maybe we will meet again before 50 more years go by!!! - Genie
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