Share your memories of Dr. Dan Kahler
NorthmenNews.com would like to invite our readers to share your memories of OP’s first Principal Dr. Dan Kahler.
Please email them to [email protected] for inclusion here:
Dr. Dan Kahler – To me, you will forever be the epitome of all that is an Educator. You brought both grace and dignity to the field of education. I never left your presence without feeling better about myself. That is a gift. At my O.P. graduation, you said, “Sheri Daniel, I am proud of you.” Therefore, I was proud of myself. When I directed my first production at Winnetonka, you came to support me. After the show, you told the cast, “I am proud of Sheri.” Therefore, I was proud of myself. When I got my doctorate, you came to the reception. You stood with my dissertation in your hand and said, “I am proud of you, Dr. Coffman.” I have been called Dr. Coffman many times since that moment, but never have the words been more meaningful. I have measured my educational milestones by viewing them through your eyes and hearing the echo of your words, “I am proud of you.” My life was enriched beyond measure for having known you. The world was a better place for you having lived in it. You will be greatly missed. You have forged a legacy that will live on in all of the lives you inspired. Dr. Dan Kahler, mentor, role model, I am proud to have known you. It was, indeed, an honor.
Sheri Coffman – B.A., M.A., Ed.D.
Head of Winnetonka High School Theatre Department
Greg Ellis class of 1978 Oak Park • Aug 23, 2016 at 9:40 pm
I just found out about Dr. Kahlers passing. He was one of the few personalitiea that stand out in my memory. He was an inspiration and role modsl as a kid growing up in a broken home. He would start his assemblies by standing at the lecturn and the whole gymnasium would grow so quiet..you could hear the bleachers creak. He would always weave some inspirational story into his assembly gatherings. I remember the quote to this day from Theodore Roosevelt about the man in the arena….and another story about the man who had the letters “ST” branded in his forhead for sheep thief…but won back the respect of his neighbors such that he died as an old man and his neighbors thought it stood for saint.
God speed Dr. Kahler…The rest of us are right behind you…because mans life…”it is a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth.”
Thank you for your dedication, example and influence on so many of us.
Greg Ellis R.Ph.
Plano, TX.
Ralph Speer • Dec 8, 2015 at 2:24 pm
Dr Kahler was a close personal friend of my dad’s back in the 1950’s in Arkansas City.
They shared many years coaching Junior College athletes.. They remained friends until my father, also a teacher and coach, passed away..
Dr Kahler was part of a team of coaches and educators that requested my father, W. G. “Bunt” Speer be inducted into Cowley Community Colleges’ Athletic Hall of Fame Posthumously; and he was there to mentor me thru an acceptance speech for my dad at the induction ceremony..
I remember him telling me the DAN KAHLER RULES FOR PUBLIC SPEAKING: :
3 B’s as he called them..
BE INFORMED
BE ON TIME
BE GONE
He didn’t think it was necessary to give any more than a 5 minute acceptance speech because people stop listening after the first five minutes… so when I gave my dad’s acceptance speech it was easy thanks to Dan.. ( Easy yes, Except The Master Principal and Dad’s dear friend was right next to me on stage!!)
D.K. [as he always signed of his emails] was a super special person to all.. God’s Speed DK…
Every Good Wish at this sad time to all that knew him..
Ralph Speer / Ark City, KS