Christopher Ryan Kiestler, 37, of Leland, formerly of Mocksville, died Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

He was born April 5, 1988, in Guilford County. Christopher was a true firefighter at heart and served for 24 years in numerous communities, including the Winston-Salem Fire Explorer Program. While with Winston-Salem, he achieved the rank of Captain. He also served with the Kernersville Fire Department, Stokes County EMS, Wallburg Fire Department, Boonville Fire Department Chief, and Spencer Fire Department.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, George Washington and Evelyn Lucille Stroud Kiestler; and stepfather, Randy McLean.

Survivors include his mother, Ivey Jane Russell McLean; his father, Terry Wayne Kiestler (Sherri); maternal grandparents, Marty and Nancy Russell; a sister, Brittany Anderson; and stepbrother, Andrew Williford.

A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 31, at Salem Methodist Church, with Rev. David Tifft officiating. The family invites friends to visit with them at the church immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be considered for the North Carolina Fallen Firefighters Foundation, P.O. Box 144, Mocksville, NC 27028.

Online condolences www.lambertfuneralhomenc.com