ST. PAUL - Walter Kissling, retired CEO of coatings and adhesives manufacturer H.B. Fuller Co., died Jan. 28, 2002, following a battle with cancer. He was 70.

Born in San Jose, Costa Rica, Mr. Kissling joined H.B. Fuller when the company acquired Kativo Chemical Industries in 1967. He held several key executive positions with H.B. Fuller, including vice president of Latin American operations, senior vice president of International Operations, and executive vice president and chief operating officer. He was named CEO in 1995 and held the position until his retirement in 1998. He was a member of the company's board of directors for 34 years.

"Walter positioned H.B. Fuller for the 21st century," said current company CEO and Chairman Al Stroucken, who said Mr. Kissling led the company's international expansion and the development of an advanced information-technology system.

Mr. Kissling is survived by his wife Cecilia; five children; and nine grandchildren.