Christopher Kiser

Christopher “Chris” Lee Kiser, 64, went home to be with Jesus on September 1, 2023 with his dedicated spouse by his side.

He was born to Kenneth and Claudette (Kleckner) Kiser on December 2, 1958 in Fremont, Ohio, where he will remain a memorable asset to the community.

Chris was blessed with many people who loved him dearly. He leaves behind his wife Kathy (Gibbs) Kiser and family: Jessica (Brandon) Wright, Paton (Kristy) Gibbs, and Erin (Greg) Garza, all of Fremont, mother Claudette Kauble of Fremont, sister Kimberly Kiser of AK, brother Howard (Leanna) Kiser of NC, nephews Jacob Jump of AK, Joshua (Elizabeth) Kiser of NC, a niece Melanie (Trace) Allard of NC, aunts Carol Brenner and Bonnie Stotz, and an uncle Keith Kleckner. His grandchildren who knew him as “Papa”: Angelina, Owen, & Dylan Wright, Paton Gibbs Jr., and Simon, Elijah, Micah & Leah Garza, all of Fremont.  

Chris tagged along with his dad from the time he was in diapers, learning all he could about anything and everything mechanical. He worked his first fair at the age of 5 in Oak Harbor at the street fair helping his dad with the sound. From then on, Chris could be found in the sound booth at the Fremont Speedway on Saturday nights, and at the local fairs and festivals throughout the years. He started working at Schiets Motors at the age of 12, which led to his love of motorcycles, snowmobiles, & ATVs.

During high school, Chris worked for Sabroske Electric while studying electrical trades at Vanguard Vocational School, where he graduated in 1977. After years of perfecting his skills in the electrical and mechanical field, he expanded his talents towards the HVAC trade, where he worked for Steve Frey Plumbing and Heating for 42 years, all while putting many hours into his true passion that remained in the sound business. Chris would take his “vacation” days during fair season so he could devote his time to making sure the sound and electricity at the county fairs were the best it could be.

The Kiser sound business has been well known and highly regarded as “the best in the business” and Chis was very proud of that. He also provided sound systems for over 7 county fairs, Fremont Speedway, Miss Ohio pageants, and many local organizations such as the Fremont Ross/St Joe football stadium, Relay for Life, Rutherford B Hayes Presidential Center, Civil War Re-Enactment, among many others.

Chris loved to build and run demolition derby cars, which he was very successful at. The car with number 44 and a sound speaker atop became a well-known winning car for many years to come. He built and raced enduro cars and was proud of the fact that he was the only one to ever win the “Backwards Enduro” at Fremont Speedway. He tried sprint car racing for a short time before realizing he did not have the time to put 100% into it, so he decided to offer his racing expertise to others when he could.

When Chris’s health began to decline, he retired from Steve Frey Plumbing and Heating. He continued to lend a hand to anyone, passing on much of his knowledge. He loved to teach, no matter who you were. He always made sure “things got done” and everyone had what they needed, right up to his last days. He was very dedicated to Fremont, Sandusky County, Sandusky County Fairgrounds (“His Fairgrounds” as he called it), and the surrounding counties and communities.

Chris will be greatly missed, not only by his family and friends, but the entire community, as he put his passion for work and helping others in the community above his own needs.

It is to no surprise his heart gave out, as it was made of gold; he poured it all into everything he did, without exception!

Chris was proceeded in death by his father Ken Kiser and grandparents Kenneth/Gladine Kleckner and Howard/Vivian Kiser.

Please join us in celebrating the life of Chris Kiser Sunday September 10, 2023 at the Sandusky County Fairgrounds Flower Building from 6-8PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to Fremont Speedway Hall of Fame.