Bruce J. Kistner

Bruce J. Kistner, age 61, of Elk Mound, WI, passed away Monday, February 16, 2026, at home after a courageous battle with stomach cancer.

He was born April 21, 1964, in Menomonie, WI, surprising his parents, Roy and Patricia (Burnell) Kistner, as Bruce was an unexpected twin.

Bruce married Lori (Gotlibson) on October 24, 1987, at St. Paul’s Church in Menomonie, WI. Together they were blessed with a daughter, Samantha, who lit up their lives.

Bruce proudly served his country in the National Guard, Company A of Menomonie, for 20 years, retiring as a Staff Sergeant, receiving his retirement papers just days before Desert Storm. He also dedicated 40 years of employment to Midwest Manufacturing, retiring after becoming ill.

Family was everything to Bruce. Together they enjoyed fishing, camping, UTV riding, and cheering on his beloved Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 38 years, Lori (Gotlibson); his daughter, Samantha (Jeremy) Dekan; grandchildren, Dominik, Hunter, Emma, and Taylor Dekan; his mother, Patricia; his sister, Kathy (Mike) Klingenberg; his twin brother, Brian (Shelly); brother-in-law, Dennis (Joann) Gotlibson; sister-in-law, Debra Gotlibson; and his loyal Dalmatian, Dottie. He is also survived by many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Roy; grandparents, Chester and Thelma Kistner, and John and Clarice Burnell; parents-in-law, Gordy and Helen Gotlibson; infant brother-in-law, Dale; and other beloved family and friends.

The family would like to extend a special thank you for the care provided by the Mayo Cancer Center and the Menomonie St. Croix Hospice team.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, WI, with Celebrant Teresa Pejsa officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at St. Katherine’s Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Russell-Toycen American Legion Post 131.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com