Harding High School in St. Paul was where everybody knew Mike Kissell's name, but most simply called him "Coach."
For 34 years Kissell taught physical education and health courses, and he coached the school's cross-country running teams and the boys' gymnastics and track and field teams. His squads often were at or near the top of the St. Paul City Conference. For his success on the playing fields and in the gym, he was among the first to be enshrined on Harding's Hall of Stars honoring past athletes and coaches. But many remember him more as the man with the gravely voice who was fair, kind and thoughtful.
"As a coach, he was all business and there was no messing around, but he did have a soft side," said Bernie Von Wald, former Harding physical education teacher and athletic director. "He worked equally well with girls and boys. He was a good guy with a heart for kids and was proud of the relationships he built with the kids."
Kissell died from a heart ailment Nov. 10 at his home in Minneapolis. He was 89.
Born in Minneapolis, Kissell graduated from South High School in 1938. He enlisted in the Navy to earn money for college. He attended the University of Minnesota, where he majored in health and physical education, and played offensive guard on the school's football team, said his wife, Lilly, of Minneapolis.
Kissell played the 1949 season with the Canadian Football League's Winnipeg Blue Bombers, then returned to the Twin Cities in 1950 to pursue his other love: teaching. He took a job at Breck School when it was located on Como Avenue in St. Paul. Two years later he was hired to teach and coach gymnastics at Harding, where he remained until he retired in 1985, Lilly said.
With no experience in coaching that sport, he sought counsel from Ralph Piper, the longtime coach at the University of Minnesota. Kissell put what he learned to use and directed Harding's boys' gymnastics teams to 12 consecutive titles from 1955 to 1966.
"He was one of the toughest disciplinarians there was, yet he was fair with every kid," said Ted Eckman, a retired industrial arts teacher who coached track with Kissell for 20 years. "He got the most out of kids and they loved him dearly. He was a good confidant and friend."
While education was his top priority, sports were his passion. He officiated high school football and high school and college basketball for the Mill City Officials Association and found time to coach youth baseball and basketball at St. Richard's and St. Helena's schools. He also helped with Harding's B-squad and junior varsity football teams.
"He was dedicated to teaching, but he was a sports man," his wife said. "His life was coaching youngsters. He had the nickname Coach, but he wasn't just a coach."
After he left Harding, Kissell spent 17 years as a substitute teacher in the Minneapolis School District. He often heard from many of his former Harding athletes, said Jerry Keenan, Harding's current athletic director.
"He was a great guy, an effective teacher," he said. "He was well-respected."
In addition to his wife, Kissell is survived by two daughters, Terri Wilson of Mexico and Michelle Lonnee of Savage; a son, Mychal of Mexico; a brother, George of Minneapolis; a sister, Martha Tackett of Eagan, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Services have been held.
