Nicholas J.C. Pistor's Obituary
Nicholas J. C. Pistor, 43, of St. Louis, Missouri, and Millstadt, Illinois (a tight-knit community that embodies the values of truth, honor, and duty) passed away peacefully on April 8th, 2025 surrounded by family and friends.
Nick was born August, 11, 1981 in Belleville, Illinois. Nick attended Millstadt Consolidated School, followed by Belleville West High School. He was confirmed in the Catholic faith in 1996 by Cardinal Wilton Gregory, the current archbishop of Washington D.C. Cardinal Gregory served as Nick’s spiritual advisor for two decades.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Saint Louis University in 2003. He also studied Latin, which served as a tool later in his writing career. While at SLU, he served in various state and national political roles, including three terms as Missouri’s state College Republican chairman, and the College Republican National Committee’s 2nd Vice Chair as well as working on George W. Bush’s presidential campaign.
Always inquisitive, Nick’s passion for writing led him to become an accomplished author, investigative reporter, historian, and global media consultant. Nick reported for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch from 2003-2016. He was never the type of reporter to sit in the newsroom waiting for a press release, but instead spent his time in the field in search of stories. He was not a sensationalist and could not be tricked into writing a hit piece. In 2014, he covered the Ferguson, Missouri riots following the fatal police shooting of Michael Brown appearing nightly on national media outlets. Nick was a producer and contributor for CBS News in New York, including 48 Hours episodes “The Writing on the Wall” on the Coleman family murders in Illinois and “Death in Dark Water” on the death of actress Natalie Wood off the coast of California. He also spent several years covering St. Louis City Hall, including his recent campaign to rent an office.
Nick authored and published two successful books, Shooting Lincoln and The Ax Murders of Saxtown. The Saxtown book was the culmination of a ten-year pursuit of records and documents throughout the American Midwest.
After finishing his professional career in St. Louis, Nick enjoyed several years living in Sonoma, California and Key West, Florida as well as traveling the country with his Jack Russell terrier, J.P. His love for his hometown brought him back in 2023 where he resided in Downtown St. Louis.
Nick was an avid country music fan with an impeccable sense of style. He was dedicated in helping everyone he encountered succeed and never shied away from a challenge. He never chased the latest trends; instead, he focused on being genuinely original. He was one of a kind.
Nick is survived by his mother Linda Pistor, brother Daniel Pistor, and sister-in-law Shannon Keller. He is also survived by his Godfather, Wayne Jones, and Godmother, Sheila Campe, beloved Aunt and Uncle, Sandy and Tom Glauber, extended family and friends, and his red poodle Gussie. He is preceded in death by his grandmother Ruth Pistor, grandmother Betty Dieckmann, grandfathers Lester Pistor and Arnold Dieckmann, and father Anthony “Tony” Pistor.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm at Leesman Funeral Home, Millstadt. Memorial services will follow visitation at 3:00 pm with Rev. Eva Akaueze officiating. A celebration of life gathering will follow services at the Millstadt Columbus Club, 114 W Oak St, Millstadt.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be made to the donors choice and will be received at the funeral home.
For more information, please access our website, www.leesmanfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were handled by Leesman Funeral Home.
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