John F. Koellner

Awesome Professor!! I had him for my first year of chemistry at IUSB and he was there for all students ! It was awesome to have learn so much from him and bless to have had him in my jury in life .. Sad to know he is Gone but it won't be for Long because I know we will see him in heaven again .. Many prayers for family and May our Lord strength them with great memories that he left in life for all his family and friends and students.. God Bless you Dr. Koellner !! and thanks for awesome...

I still quote his "ah-ha" comment that he said he saw in our eyes when we finally understood what he was explaining to us. I loved the class so much I took chemistry as my one science class in college - didn't do well, but I remember what he taught me, too bad that was covered in the first two weeks of college chemistry.

I was informed of his passing by my daughter ,Sarah, from her facebook link on her phone . I always appreciated his dedication and great sense of humor .His smile is how I remember him .
Matt RILEY '81

How do you measure the impact a teacher has on a life? Through test scores and placement exams?

I've traveled the world. Set foot on 6 continents and have friends in almost every time zone. I've lived in California. I live in France. I've met Nobel Laureates. I've been recognized as a scientific leader in my field. I've taught doctors, lawyers, accountants, and seen students of mine get their PhD. I've flown in business class. I've stayed in world class hotels (and some less than world...

Mr. Koellner
A freind, wonderful dad and all around good guy. He always had a good word to say and he really seemed to enjoy everyone he met. I will always remember his kindness and loving spirit. May God bless you and your family with love and Peace!

Mr. Koellner was my favorite teacher. He was an inspiration for me and my time spent as his TA during my senior year was the best one-on-one teaching I have ever received in school. Mr. Koellner was a wonderful teacher and man. He will be sorely missed.

I remember with fondness our family visits to the Koellner house for Notre Dame football weekends. John always welcomed us to his home with open arms. The passion that he had for his family, friends, and Notre Dame was beyond measure!

I was saddened to hear of the passing of one of the most dignified, knowledgable, and inspiring teachers I have ever had, Mr. John Koellner. He was a primary influence on me at Riley, sparking a life-long interest in science and giving me the tools and confidence to pursue a career in medicine. Little did I know at the time the reaction that he was actually catalyzing. He will be greatly missed.

Mr. Koellner was a great chemistry teacher (Chem I&II) - and gave me the confidence to go on with chemistry. He was a big influence on me - and I ultimately completed a thesis on geochemistry.

He also liked to laugh. Which was why my friends and I targeted Mr. Koellner with the 150 or so 'For Sale' signs we placed in his front yard late one night. We knew (hoped?) that he would find that funny! And he did.

He was also a classy guy. He figured out who did this trick but did...