John Friedrick Rist

John F. Rist, born on April 9, 1940, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, December 13, 2025. John was born in Norfolk, Virginia, and spent his early childhood in Mandarin, Florida. At the age of 12, he moved with his family to Huntsville, Alabama, a place he would proudly call home for the rest of his life. He graduated from Huntsville High School in 1959 and attended Auburn University for approximately three years before completing electronics school in Birmingham, Alabama.

In 1965, John began a long and distinguished career at SCI in Huntsville, where he excelled in the design of discrete logic circuits. His work contributed to many aerospace and defense projects during a pivotal time in Huntsville’s history. He often spoke with pride about testing hardware that would later be sent into space aboard the Voyager spacecraft—missions that continue to travel beyond the boundaries of our solar system. John remained at SCI until his retirement at the age of 70.

On December 15, 1962, John married the love of his life, Peggy Richardson, and together they shared nearly 63 years of marriage. They were married at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Huntsville. In 1967, they became members of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, and in 1989, they joined Grace Lutheran Church, where they remained faithful members. John’s faith was central to his life, and his church family meant a great deal to him. Peggy continues to worship at Grace Lutheran Church.

John was a true “fix-it” person who rarely hired help, as he could repair or build almost anything himself. He enjoyed building and flying model airplanes, model boats, and model cars, and was an active member of the North Alabama Control-Line Association (NACA) model airplane club. For about ten years, John also worked part-time as a wedding photographer, capturing special moments for many families.

Above all, John cherished time spent with his family. He deeply loved his three children and all of his grandchildren, who were truly his pride and joy. He also found great fulfillment in serving and participating in church activities for as long as he was able. His love for God and dedication to his faith were evident throughout his life.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John A. and Wilhelmina Hummel Rist, and by his sister, Wilhelmina K. Vigee. He is survived by his devoted wife, Peggy Rist; his children: Carol Kelley (Richard, deceased), Mark Rist (Sherry), and Joe Rist (Linda); eight grandchildren: Matthew Kelley (Mary), Kevin Kelley (Katie), Tyler Rist (Elle), Justin Rist (Michelle), Amanda Rist, Nicholas Rist, Alex Rist, and Sam Rist; five great-grandchildren: Audrey, Weston, Oliver, Parker, and Miller; along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be a Memorial Service at Grace Lutheran Church in Huntsville, AL at a date to be determined. (This notice will be updated in the future to reflect details.)

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Grace Lutheran Church Building Fund, Huntsville, Alabama.

“I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth.” — Job 19:25