High school student finally gets diploma after 65 years

For 65 years, Nile Kriesel regretted missing his Stillwater Area High School graduation.

Now the 82-year-old can finally call himself a graduate after donning a cap and gown and receiving his honorary diploma this week at the School Board meeting.

Back in 1958 Kriesel was one credit shy of graduating. After high school he joined the Navy, went on to get his GED and earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Wisconsin in River Falls.

He spent five years working as an auditor for the state of Minnesota before taking the job as Stillwater’s finance officer and city administrator for 23 years. He also served as Washington County commissioner.

Based on his life achievements, Superintendent Mike Funk said Kriesel met the graduation requirements and finally gave him his diploma.

Funk said, Kriesel was an example “for all of our students who may fall a little short initially, but can go on and make a difference in the world.”