The White Lake area community is coming together to honor the life and legacy of Paul Kissel—affectionately known as “Tall Paul”—with a project that reflects his love for people, cycling, and the outdoors.
A Life of Service and Community
Paul, who lived in southern Oceana County within the Montague School District, was a devoted husband to Carol Mills. Together, they dedicated countless hours to serving others through their active involvement with the Trinity Lutheran Food Pantry and St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Claybanks. The couple also participated in numerous missionary trips to Latin America, extending their compassion far beyond the local community.
Closer to home, Paul was a familiar face on local trails as an avid cyclist. He was deeply engaged in the local biking community and was often involved in placing the white “Ghost Bikes” memorials throughout the area to honor riders who lost their lives in accidents. Friends and fellow cyclists remember Paul for his big heart, friendly smile, and constant willingness to help others.
A Project to Honor “Tall Paul”
To celebrate Paul’s memory, the Muskegon County Bicycling Coalition (MCBC) is spearheading a fundraising effort to install a much-needed bottle-filling and dog-watering station along the bike path near the White Lake Area Chamber & Visitors Bureau. Currently, there are no watering stations between Muskegon and Shelby, making this an ideal location to serve cyclists, pedestrians, families, and pets alike.
The plan calls for a fountain set on a cement pad directly connected to the bike path, ensuring it will be fully handicap-accessible, dog-friendly, and equipped with a bottle-filling station for cyclists. A plaque in Paul’s honor will accompany the installation, though as his friend John Hanson notes, Paul would probably say the fountain itself—meant to serve the community—is tribute enough.
Station will be similar to above, but with dog watering also.
Community Support and Fundraising
Local cyclist Steve Salter first presented the idea to honor Paul, and John Hanson worked with Whitehall’s Department of Public Works and the City Council to move the project forward. The MCBC has agreed to manage the fundraising, with a goal of raising $6,500 for installation in early 2026.
Donations are being accepted through the MCBC, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions can be made online, and donors are asked to include “Tall Paul” as the reason for their gift. The fundraiser flyer and donation link are also available at whitelakesnowfarmers.org, scroll to bottom of page.
If fundraising exceeds the goal or falls short, any remaining funds will be directed to the White Lake Community Fund in Paul’s name.
How to Help
Community members are encouraged to give what they can to help bring this project to life and continue Paul’s legacy of service and kindness.
As John Hanson shared, “Paul had such a big heart. He was always there for the community and friends. This fountain is something we know would make him smile.”
To donate, scan the QR code on the flyer or visit the MCBC website. Please be sure to mark your donation for “Tall Paul.”
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