Dan was born in Vallejo, California, to George and Amy Kaiser. He passed away following a brief illness while visiting in Bozeman, Montana. Dan attended Vallejo schools, graduating from Vallejo Senior High in 1963 where he played both football and baseball. His higher education included Vallejo Junior College and Warner Pacific College, Portland, Oregon, graduating in 1967. He obtained a master’s in education from the University of Portland in 1974. He also served as a medic in the Washington Army Reserve National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1976. Dan taught middle school in the Battle Ground School District, Washington, for 43 years until his retirement in 2011. He lived in Ridgefield, Washington.
Dan loved sports, especially baseball. In the ’70s he coached baseball and football at several area high schools and was head baseball coach at Warner Pacific College for six years and then assistant baseball coach at Concordia University, Portland, for two years. In recent years he looked forward to attending spring training in Arizona in March. Additionally, he enjoyed an occasional round of golf, getting together with the “guys” for breakfast and coffee, and traveling, especially to his favorite island, Maui, Hawaii.
Dan is survived by his sisters, Bonnie Saunders and Sister Amy Christine (Little Sisters of the Poor); sons; Damon (Karen) and Evan Kaiser; daughter; Elicia (Greg) Palmer; granddaughters, Zoe and Lily Kaiser, grandson, Silas Palmer; wife, Claudia, and many nieces and nephews.
Dan was an inspiration to many. He was the most caring and loving person to his family, friends, students and his Lord. He had a deep faith, trusting that there was a plan for his life. He is now resting in peace.
A memorial service celebrating Dan’s life will be held June 29, 11 a.m., at Hillcrest Church of the Nazarene, 14410 NW 21st Ave., Vancouver. Everyone is invited to attend a reception at the church following the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Open House Ministries (Vancouver), pancreatic cancer research or a charity of your choice. Interment will be private.
