John S. Dahlem

I have known John and his family since about 1972. I used to go to summer wrestling classes with my brother Vince, Larry and Freddie Sangiorgio and I think Milton Vance used to go to those too. I am very happy to have experienced classes from a truly American Hero, Although I was a terrible student in high school (If it wasn´t for him I wouldn´t have graduated) I know it disappointed him and later on I really regretted it. I was so depressed about not being able to wrestle my senior year...

I am truely saddened to hear about the passing of Coach Dahlem. He helped me tremendously as a mentor. Not just in coaching, but in life. He taught me that the best attribute a coach can have is empathy. I will miss his advice, kindness, wisdom, condidence, and generosity. The sport of wrestling has just lost one of its heroes. Thank you for always being there for all of us sir. I know that God welcomed you as a friend. My sword will always be yours, Pablo Cunningham

Coach Dahlem was a giant among men - his tireless and unwavering commitment to the success and happiness of others is and I believe will be unmatched. He was a saintly man. Revered by so many. Sorely missed but left his mark on so many of us that will hopefully honor his legacy by exhibiting the same principles and morality. You are loved and missed Coach Captain John Dahlem

At the beginning of 2024, I was reading about the short list of people who have accomplished the "Explorer´s Grand Slam" when I stumbled across John´s name, age, and location. I quickly realized he was local to my home, and he was also one of the few with this incredible achievement who was not on the professional speaker´s circuit, nor was he some type of social media celebrity. Following these realizations, I thought he may be willing to make himself available to a fellow mountaineer....

Great teacher, coach and principal at Loara High while I attended from 1980-1984. And it wasn't a school assembly without Boom Boom in attendance. My condolences to his family. He was a great guy. May he RIP

John was an extraordinary human being, an amazing leader, and a tremendous mentor and role model. I count myself truly blessed to have known and worked with him. Love ya, John.