Mike Kissinger, right, enjoys playing basketball with younger people such as Warsaw high school sophomore Tucker Reed. Photo provided by Mike Kissinger.

By Nathan Pace
InkFreeNews

From volunteering, playing sports and serving the county, Mike Kissinger has plenty on his plate to keep an active lifestyle. Kissinger has worked in the county surveyor’s office in Warsaw while assisting the North Webster Community Center where he can.

“I enjoy the area, I enjoy the people. You’re not going to get rich in a government job but you sure get to meet a lot of people. I’m a big history buff. I enjoy my work because there is a lot of historical information in here,” Kissinger said.

Kissinger calls the North Webster area home as he regular participates in basketball, volleyball, sand volleyball and pickleball at the community center.

“One of the things I do is I love to participate with younger people,” Kissinger said. “They let the 63-year-old play with them and it keeps me young. Other than pickleball, if you are playing basketball or volleyball you’re probably playing with young people.”

Through playing with younger people, it does make Kissinger intentionally work at staying in shape to try and keep up.

“You don’t want to be the one that they’re making fun of so you want to at least play with those people and be close to the same level,” Kissinger said.

One of the volunteer programs at the community center Kissinger is most proud of is an annual business fair for kids. The one-day marketplace allows kids to promote a business idea and learn practical economic skills.

“First couple years, I had 15-20 businesses and I was tickled with that. Two years ago we were at 110,” Kissinger said. “I’m passionate about that because kids have to understand some money sense. It ends up being a family thing. I thought it was a ‘can’t miss’ activity and it’s proven to be that.”

Kissinger has served as the county surveyor for the last nine years but has worked in the office there for 43 years. At the end of the year he will exit the surveyor’s office but will still offer surveyor services as a private business.

“This is the only thing I’ve ever done. It’s kind of my passion. I love working with people. That’s going to come to an end in five months. I chose not to run this last time,” Kissinger said. “I decided 43 was enough. I read the newspaper and I see someone three grades behind me in high school and I read their obituary. I’d rather walk out of here than be hauled out of here.”

Come Jan. 1, Kissinger will have more time with family in his wife LuAnn, son Tyler and daughter-in-law Tori. Tyler runs a home construction company called Hartley Builders.

“LuAnn, married to her for over 30 years, she lets me do all this stuff. That’s important too because I couldn’t volunteer like I do at the community center. Couldn’t do all these sports activities,” Kissinger said. “She plays pickleball with me. I love it when we play together.”

Kissinger encourages other seniors in the area to find a sport to play at the North Webster Community Center.

“It has really come a long way,” Kissinger said about the community center. “We’ve had a great group. Some of the original board members from 20 years ago are still there. The directors that have been there for the most part have been amazing. I think it’s getting utilized more and more. The secret is to get them in the door and have them see what’s there.”