It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bryan Lawrance Krist, who passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026, at the age of 65.

Born November 15, 1960, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Bryan lived a life defined by resilience, compassion, faith, and service to others. Through his own journey of recovery, he discovered a calling that would become his life's purpose — to help others find hope when they needed it most.

Bryan was the proud father of three children: Jennifer (Jeremy Jones) Schultz, Jes (Tim) Chapman, and John (Kayla) Krist, who were the greatest joys of his life. He was also a loving grandfather to four grandchildren, each of whom brought him immense pride and happiness (Karol Jones, Kenny Jones, Tessa Jones, and Keith Trujillo). Although Bryan was divorced and never remarried, his family remained the center of his world.

He is survived by his three children, four grandchildren, four brothers (Robert Krist, Steven Krist, Jeffrey Krist, Russell Krist), and two sisters (Sheryl Neulreich and Kim Krist), along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother (David Krist) and his parents.

For 45 years, Bryan remained clean and sober, a milestone that became the foundation of an extraordinary life dedicated to helping others overcome addiction. He became a pillar of the Narcotics Anonymous community throughout Wisconsin and around the world. His work reached far beyond meetings. He carried the message of recovery into jails, prisons, treatment centers, and countless communities, offering hope to people when they needed it most. Through his honesty, compassion, and unwavering belief that recovery was possible, Bryan touched thousands of lives. His influence will continue to be felt for generations through the people he mentored, the families he helped heal, and those who will continue carrying his message forward.

Bryan was deeply connected to his Native American heritage and proudly embraced his Lakota Sioux roots in South Dakota. He participated in many Sun Dance ceremonies under the guidance of Gerold Ice, finding strength, purpose, and spiritual connection through those sacred traditions. His faith and respect for those teachings became an important part of the man he was.

Outside of his life's work, Bryan found peace in the outdoors. He loved fishing, camping, and listening to rock and roll. Whether he was sitting around a campfire, casting a line into the water, or enjoying music with family and friends, he appreciated life's simple moments and the people he shared them with.

Those who knew Bryan knew a man who loved unconditionally and never judged another person's past. He offered guidance without criticism, friendship without expectation, and hope without limits. He believed everyone deserved a second chance and spent his life proving that transformation was possible. His kindness, humility, and willingness to help others left an imprint on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Though our hearts are broken by his passing, we take comfort in knowing that Bryan's spirit lives on in the countless lives he changed, the family he loved so deeply, and the legacy of hope he leaves behind.

Bryan Lawrance Krist will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten. His greatest accomplishment was not the years he lived, but the thousands of lives he helped change along the way. His legacy will continue in every life touched by his compassion, his guidance, and his unwavering belief that recovery and hope are always possible.

A family funeral service will be held Friday, August 7. An open celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 8, 1:00 - 3:00 pm at the Gassville Community Center, 204 South School Street, Gassville, AR. All family and friends are welcome; please bring a dish to pass. We will have a blessing from Daniel Hull, a friend and spiritual leader in Bryan's life.

Arrangements are being handled by Kirby & Family Funeral and Cremation Services-Mountain Home, 600 Hospital Drive Mountain Home, AR 72653. Visit the online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com.