Brief Biography of Mel Kieschnick

Melvin Martin Kieschnick 1927-2014

Melvin Martin Kieschnick, son of Oscar and Lena Kieschnick, was born December 10, 1927 in Walburg, TX. He was one of 9 children. After attending Zion Lutheran School, Walburg, and Concordia Academy, Austin, he received a B.S. from Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Illinois in 1950. Beginning as a teacher like his father, by the time of his retirement Mel was widely known as one of the leading Christian Educators of the 20th Century.

From 1950-1956 Mel served as teacher and principal of Lutheran schools in Tracy, CA and Glendale, CA. During this time he married Jane Kieschnick–a marriage that sustained him for 73 years. While living in Tracy, Mel and Jane welcomed their first child, David.

From 1956-1965 Mel served as an educational missionary in Hong Kong, where he chartered and administered many schools, including Concordia Lutheran School, and the Hong Kong International School. During this time, Mel and Jane welcomed 4 more children: Peggy, Tim, Liz, and John.

Returning to the United States in 1965, Mel served in positions of increasing scope in Chicago, Ann Arbor, and St. Louis, ultimately leading education worldwide for the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. At the time, this was the second largest private school system in the U.S.

From 1976-1983 Mel lived in Encinitas, CA where he helped lead Parent Effectiveness Training (PET). PET taught communications and collaborative problem-solving skills to parents, and Mel helped expand the program to Clergy, Educators, Leaders, and Youth, both domestically and internationally.

In 1984, Mel moved to New York, where he served in a wide variety of roles supporting Lutheran Education, particularly in New York City and other urban settings.

In 1993 Mel retired “for the first time.” He and Jane moved to Carlsbad, CA. In addition to serving as a trusted advisor for individuals and organizations locally and world-wide, Mel committed his extensive expertise and skills to Calvary Lutheran Church, Solana Beach, CA where he remained a valuable part of the church community until his death.

Mel was a highly sought-after speaker and workshop facilitator. He lectured at over 300 conferences internationally and authored 5 books and over 300 articles.

Mel died peacefully in his sleep on December 26, 2024 in Carlsbad, CA. He is survived by Jane Kieschnick, his wife of 73 years, his siblings Doris Wottrich, Ethel Mickan, John Kieschnick, and Darlene Cunningham, his children Peggy Kieschnick, Tim Kieschnick, Liz Kieschnick, and John Kieschnick, 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.