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John H. Kissel M.D.

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Georgetown University

John Kissel Obituary

Name: Visitation for John H. Kissel M.D.
Start: 2022-12-23T19:00:00.000Z
End: 2022-12-23T21:00:00.000Z
Location: Ethical Society St. Louis

Kissel, John H., MD

died from cancer on December 6th, 2022 in St. Louis, Missouri at the age of 76. John was born in 1945 to Lila and Hubert Kissel in Houston, Texas, but was raised and lived most of his life in St. Louis. He attended Georgetown University, Harvard Medical School, and Washington University School of Medicine for residency training. John married his soulmate, Sandra, in 1972 and together they raised four daughters: Maggie Desai, Jenny Kissel, Sarah Kissel, and Abby Kissel. Along with his immediate family, John is also survived by three wonderful sisters: Lottie Norwine, Lucy Kissel, and Laurie Hansell; as well as nine grandchildren, who were the joy of his life. Professionally, John's career included working as an internist for a private practice group and serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Regional Hospital. In his free time, he served on the board of Places for People. After John's retirement, he kept busy pursuing his lifelong dream of starting an organic farm. He also served as an executive board member with the Missouri Chapter of the Sierra Club. We take great comfort in knowing John spent his final years doing what he loved the most: spending time with family, being active in his garden, and championing the causes most important to him.

Services: A visitation with John's family will be held on December 23rd from 1-3 p.m. followed by a remembrance ceremony at 3 p.m. at Ethical Society St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Rd. 63117. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Places for People (placesforpeople.org) or the MO chapter of the Sierra Club (bit.ly/donatemosc).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Dec. 11, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for John Kissel

15 Entries

Mary Beth Garasky

October 31, 2024

I happened to think of Dr Kissell today and what a truly caring doctor he was. I didn't know he died of cancer. My condolences

Timothy K Hamilton

April 16, 2024

I recently thought about the marvelous care that I got from Dr. Kissel over a period of 20 years or so that ended due to his retirement. He was the most caring and capable primary care Dr. In my life. I was just wanting to contact him to thank him for his service to me. I found this obituary instead. I wish I could have thanked him personally. Yet I hope that his family will take comfort in knowing that he is lovingly remembered and appreciated.

Charles K. Poole

September 29, 2023

My sincere condolences. I´m sorry to be sending this now, but I only learned of Dr. Kissel´s passing today. I thought I might find his obituary and was thankful to have done so as a way to share something that I thought you, his loved ones, would find meaningful.

Dr. Kissel was my physician for many years before I moved away from St. Louis. He was kind, insightful, a medical practitioner who listened to his patients and cared about them. I was a patient for many, many years for these reasons.

I had a surgery during my time as a patient, and was in the hospital recovering. It was the first surgery I´d had, and somewhat challenging to heal from. While Dr. Kissel was my primary physician, I was under the care of other doctors, and that is pretty much I who I saw - along with interns and residents - throughout the days. I was pretty miserable.

One day, I looked up and there was Dr. Kissel, who´d taken time from his day to visit me. He looked even taller from my bed position, and that welcoming smile seemed to beam from his face. And with the dulcet tones of his voice quickly recognizable, he asked, "How are you doing, Mr. Poole?"

I was grateful for the visit and surprised by it. I didn´t expect it at all. But that spoke not only to the kind of doctor he was, but the kind of human he was as well. I was saddened to learn of his passing today, but very much wanted you to know that I will never forget him for the remainder of my own length of years.

I shall miss knowing he is in this world, but I will never forget how his kindness reminded me of what wonderful things we humans are capable of. Again, my sincere condolences.

Jewrry and Harriet Lander

December 23, 2022

It was my pleasure to know and work with John in the St Luke's residency program then at St Louis Regional Hospital where he was the medical director. He was a fantastic physician and a wonderful administrator. He brought excellent care to so many patients both at Regional and in his private practice. He was a fund of knowledge and a very caring person as well as a friend. My wife and I send our condolences to his wife and family.. Jerry and Harriet Lander

Navin Amin

December 22, 2022

I had the pleasure of working with John Kissel at Saint Louis Regional Medical Center when he was the Medical Director and CEO where I was chief Of Ophthalmology department.
He was one of most ethical and dedicated person I have ever met.
He was also my personal physician.
He will be sorely missed.
My condolences to his wife Sarah and family

Maureen Brine

December 22, 2022

Dr. Kissel was one the finest doctors I have ever met. I was his patient for years but 24 years ago my mom, didn´t have a doctor and was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in ER, she wanted to go home and he took her on arranged hospice & even came to house at 10 p.m. to visit her after working. He always was smiling coming into work at Connect Care, I remember crying when I found out he was retiring. He was truly one of a kind! Rest in peace

Joan McGinnis

December 21, 2022

My condolences to your wife Sarah and family. Sarah I havent seen you in such a long time but my heart goes out to you, having lost my husband 4 yrs ago to cancer as well. I am sure you are going to go forward with strength and hope to see you soon (snow may prevent me coming Friday ) my hope and prayers for you that you are at peace. Joan mcGinnis

Jerry Fondren

December 15, 2022

John was a wonderful doctor and dear friend. It was my privilege to be his dentist. He will always be in my heart and another guardian angel in heaven watching over us. Jerry Fondren

Toni Gain

December 14, 2022

Our condolences for your loss! Your friends at Elessent Clean Technologies

Your friends at ElessentCT

Sent Flowers

Armella Geier

December 12, 2022

My condolence to the family of John, a really special person. He was my "boss" at Regional Medical Center where I was the Director of the Home Care Program. He was smart, kind, empathic and supportive of our program. He was highly respected. He also had a sense of humor. All in all, a delight to work with. He will be missed.

Susan Klepper, APNP

December 12, 2022

Dearest Kissel Family, I met and was taught by Dr.John as a N.P. student in 1976. He was so very patient and knowledgeable. John gave me the highlight of my career when he hired me to lead with Dr.Robison, the Infectious Disease Clinic were I desired to care for HIV/AIDS patients. He was an inspiration. My deepest sympathy. May he Rest in Peace.

Peggy Stevens

December 11, 2022

Though I did not know Dr Kissel, I knew his mom and dad through Occupational Therapy at Christian Hospital NE. I enjoyed knowing both your parents and your dad´s humor saved me some days. Knowing the apple does not fall far from the tree, Dr Kissel you and your siblings must be good folks. God grant you eternal rest.

Peter Downey

December 11, 2022

I remember John as a leader and overall good guy through our years at St. Louis U High. My prayers and sympathies go out to his family and friends. I'm sure you have many good times to remember John.
Pete Downey

MIchael Britt

December 10, 2022

So sorry.
William Michael Britt
SLUH '63

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