Daniel Herman Koolhoven went home to heaven peacefully, early in the morning on May 20, 2022, at Mercy Medical Center in Redding, Ca.

Dan was born on May 22, 1949, in San Francisco to Herman and Louise Koolhoven. He was later joined by his brothers Kevin and Kobus (James). The Koolhoven boys were a feisty force to be reckoned with in Mill Valley, Ca where they were raised. Dan’s childhood days were spent camping, surfing at Stinson Beach, playing baseball, and goofing around with his lifelong childhood best friends Pete and Tim Edwards, and Pete Schindler. 

Dan graduated from Tamalpais High School in 1967 and immediately enlisted in the United States Navy. He served from 1967 to 1971 and did a tour in Vietnam aboard the USS Pyro AE-24 and the USS Cimarron AO-22. He traveled the world and served his country faithfully and was very proud to do so. 

After he was honorably discharged from the Navy, he returned to the Bay Area and became a volunteer firefighter at the Ross fire department under his father, who was the chief. He later moved over to the Tiburon Fire Department as a full-time firefighter. 

On a fateful day in February 1978, Dan and his fellow firefighters stopped for lunch at the Sweden House Bakery in Tiburon, and Dan saw a cute waitress through the window. Eager to meet her, Dan told his chief to do a “routine” fire inspection at the restaurant, so he had a reason to meet this girl. Ever the confidant man, Dan introduced himself to Teddi. Unsure at first, Teddi said no the first few times he asked her out. But finally, after she said yes, it only took three dates until he proposed, and three months later they were married in San Rafael on July 14, 1978. 

Dan and Teddi knew they wanted to raise their family in the beautiful Northern California Mountains, so within a year they made their new home in Burney, Ca. In November 1979, their first daughter Kirsten aka “Squirt” was born. A few years later, Kelly aka “Rosie” arrived in June of 1982, and their family was made complete in November 1987 with the birth of their son Pieter, aka “Piccolo.”

Those early years of family life were sweet and simple. Dan continued his work as a volunteer firefighter in Burney, as well as a meter reader for PG&E, while Teddi ran a daycare and preschool from her home so she could be with the kids. In addition, Dan coached his girls’ T-ball teams. He gave his kids a childhood full of adventure, going camping and fishing as he did, and building a home in the woods where their imaginations could run wild. 

In 1989 Dan got transferred to Redding, Ca with his work, and the family moved. The little cul-de-sac where they lived was a rare and idyllic place with plenty of kids who played together till dark and neighbors who became family and often came over for BBQs in the summer. 

Dan and Teddi extended their hospitality to many foreign exchange students over the years from Germany, Spain, Belgium, and Brazil. It was a great opportunity for their kids to learn from other cultures. One exchange student, Pavlo, from Ukraine remains a dear member of the family to this day. 

In 1995, Dan retired from PG&E and began pursuing his education to become a teacher, just like his mother. He attended Shasta College, and later graduated from Simpson University in 1999 at the age of 50. He went on to get additional credentials and a Master’s degree in Special Education. He taught at various schools around Redding, but his favorite was at his beloved Enterprise High School (my school) where all of his kids had attended. He was also a volunteer coach for the EHS Football program. One of his favorite places was underneath those Friday night lights cheering on his team. Working with kids with special needs and inspiring young athletes filled him with immense joy and purpose.

In 2015, Dan was inducted into the Enterprise High School Hall of Fame for all of the volunteerism and support he gave the school

In 2001, Dan’s life was filled with even more joy with the birth of his first granddaughter Jordyn. His grandson, Kamryn, was born two years later. Being an amazing grandfather came so naturally to Dan. He enjoyed playing with them in the pool, taking them to football games, and coaching Kamryn’s T-ball team (the Giants, of course) Just as he had for his kids. E.G. joined the grandkid gang in 2011 followed by his brother Erick in 2013. He got to live in Phoenix for a couple of years under his daughter Kirsten’s care and enjoyed endless grandkid time with his four grandchildren. He got to see his son Pieter marry an amazing woman named Mary in January of 2019. She has added so much love and light to the family. In March of 2021, they welcomed their first daughter, Elizabeth Miracle into the world.

In 2008, Dan’s life took a significant turn. Having endured chronic pain in his legs and feet for over 15 years, the decision was made that his feet would be amputated below the knee. On the outside, the situation seemed sad and tragic, as if this would deter Dan from enjoying his life fully, but it was quite the opposite. Dan, being the eternal optimist, reveled in the things he could do now that his pain was relieved. Walking 18 holes of golf with his friends, standing for an entire day of teaching, and being fully present with his family on his new “magic legs” were just a few of the things he dreamed about. 

No matter what life threw at Dan, he faced it with courage and joy, all stemming from his profound faith in God. He always knew God was at the center of everything and it all worked together for good and His glory. When asked how he was doing, he would always answer “I am blessed and highly favored.”

Dan (literally) wore many hats throughout his life. Baseball hats, sailor hats, firefighter helmets, San Francisco 49ers, and Giant’s hats, favorite Three Stooges hats, straw hats for golf, many EHS Championship Football hats, and Vietnam Veterans hats. His best hats said things like “#1 Dad,” “Best Husband,” and “World’s Greatest Grandpa.” Of all the many accomplishments in his life, the one he was most proud of was his family.

His daughter Kirsten followed in his military tradition and served in the United States Navy from 1999 to 2006, achieving the same rating he had as a disbursing clerk. Kelly inherited her Grandpa Koolhoven’s camera and now has a career as a professional photographer. Pieter followed in his footsteps by becoming an incredible father to his daughter. His faithful wife of 43 years, Teddi, is aptly named the “Queen of Costco” where she has given many hugs and sparks of joy for over 30 years.

In addition to his kids and grandkids, Dan was a loving uncle to twenty nieces and nephews.

His life is also marked by the deep, lasting friendships he’s made with so many and how he has always served his community and church selflessly and with compassion. His Christian faith was the cornerstone of his life and he took any opportunity to volunteer and serve people. His legacy is the love he poured out on people and how he continues to inspire others. 

Dan has fought an excellent fight, he has finished his race and has remained forever faithful. A crown of righteousness is being upheld for him in heaven. (2 Timothy 4:7).

Dan was preceded in death by his parents Herman and Louise, and his brother Kevin. 

Dan will be laid to rest amongst the heroes at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery, 1800 Gas Point Rd, Igo, Ca on Friday,  July 15, 2022, at 2 pm with full military honors. A celebration of life barbecue will be held after at 4pm at the home of Randy and Terri Womack, 1214 Palisades Drive, Redding, Ca