Paul John Kissel, 58, left his earthly bounds for his heavenly home on May 19, 2025 after a valiant fight with cancer.    Our community was a better place for Paul having been a vital part of it.

Paul was a true “West-sider”, born and bred on the West side of Grand Rapids to Paul and Barb Kissel.   He grew up and attended West Catholic, where he earned his 4-year varsity letter in cheer-leading as Freddie the Falcon.

Paul spent more than 20 years working in the food industry, primarily as a food broker for Michaels and Associates.   He made many lifetime friends and connections in the restaurant business, and was well known as the “food guy”.  

Paul loved biking and beer, not necessarily always in that order.   He was an avid bicyclist, and participated in the Monday Night rides from the Muskegon Farmer’s Market, always bringing up the rear, and making sure everyone was safe.  He was a local connection for ghost bikes, always placed at the scene of a fatal bicycle accident.

Paul was also an avid beer collector, with an expansive cellar he was always willing to share.   Many verticals of various vintages were tested through-out the years, over a dinner generally cooked on the Weber grill – charcoal, not gas…  

Paul had a dry sense of humor, sharing his wit and sarcasm across multiple Facebook pages.   He believed in a strong social support network, and providing for those who were unable to provide for themselves.  

Paul volunteered at the Trinity Community Food Pantry for more than 17 years.   He was the unofficial director of logistics and boxes.    He was also in charge of traffic control, which made the pantry safer as well as more efficient.    The Pantry was an integral and important part of Paul’s life, and he made lasting changes and contributions toward it and the people it serves.

Paul spent several years traveling to El Salvador to visit children and an elder which he sponsored through Unbound.org. During those years, he would volunteer with a dedicated group to build houses for families in need.    Meeting those families, and helping them have a safe shelter was one of the most important missions in Paul’s life.

Paul also believed that Blazing Saddles was the best movie ever made.   With Christmas Vacation a close second.   Both were committed to memory.

Paul lived his life in service to others.   We will surely miss his humor and wit, and his colorful comments.  In joyful memory of Paul, we ask his friends to do an act of kindness for someone in need in his memory.

Paul is survived by his wife: Carol Mills, as well as his beloved dogs, Penny and Tucker; brother, David (Sarah) Kissel, many in-laws, and nieces and nephews. 

Paul was preceded by his parents: Paul and Barb Kissel

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the help and assistance of many friends during Paul’s illness, and to Harbor Hospice, for their unwavering support and commitment to compassion during Paul’s final days.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity Community Food Pantry building fund, 5631 W Stony Lake Rd, New Era, MI 49446.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held May 31 at 11:00 at St. James Catholic Church with Father Thomas Cavera and Father Charlie Hall presiding. Visitation will be held at St. James Catholic Church in Montague on May 30, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., as well as one hour before the service. In honor of Paul, we are asking people, if possible, to wear a Hawaiian or a colorful shirt to Paul’s celebration of life. A luncheon will follow the Mass. Interment will be at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Claybanks, Michigan.

Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements.