Kissell, George 88, formerly of South Minneapolis, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2022. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 61 years, Josephine, children Kathryn Thompson (Randy), Chris Kissell and John Kissell (Mignon) and adored granddaughter, Temira Jaeger. He has joined his parents and nine siblings in Heaven as well as many beloved and longtime friends.

George was very proud of being born and raised in the Cedar Riverside district of south Minneapolis. He attended the “old” South High School where he was captain of both the football and swim teams. He went on to attend the University of Minnesota for three years before joining the Korean War. Upon his return from service, George started his own contracting business, began his long association with the Minneapolis Housing Authority and purchased his first rental properties, beginning a long career that lasted well into his 70s.

In 1961, George married the love of his life, Jo, and in 1967 they moved to their home in the Longfellow neighborhood of Minneapolis, where they remained until 2020, before joining a senior living community in Eagan.

In the early 1960s, George began dabbling in politics and became very involved in the DFL party, even running for alderman in 1967. Ultimately, he did not hold office, but he remained closely tied to state and national DFL politics and politicians throughout the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.

George had a passion for hunting and fishing and enjoyed both with his sons and close nephews throughout most of his life. He had his beloved “shop” where he stored his business equipment, but more importantly, had the greatest garden in the area. No one grew tomatoes and cucumbers that were better than George’s, and the neighborhood members always partook in the large quantities of vegetables that George grew.

His entire life, George made friends wherever he went, and his passing leaves a void to all who knew and loved him. Although never enough, we are forever grateful that we had so much quality time with him especially the past few years.

Memorial service will be held Wednesday, April 20 from 4 pm to 8 pm at Klecatsky and Sons Chapel in Eagan. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Helena’s in Minneapolis on Thursday, April 21 at 10 am with visitation at 9 a.m. George will receive military honors at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights immediately following Mass.

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