Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Donald Koller Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Koller
Eric Cortez
March 15, 2025
At Western High in 1962 Don led us to the Sunset League championship and 2nd in CIF. The first league championship ever for Western.
He lived so close to my mother in Rossmoor. Sad I never knew it and was able to contact Don in my later adult life.
Lynn Maxwell
August 28, 2023
2023-
Super sorry to stumble upon this obituary; Chuck and his wife Claire were so kind to me over the years. They were both devoted to each other, and always welcomed me into their house when I came visiting from Massachusetts and Texas. Don, their son, was my first real love, and although our romance did not work out, I always remained in touch with them. Chuck was a great teacher, and I always enjoyed talking "teacher shop" with him, as I became an art instructor. Condolences to Maggie and family - your parents and brother were all lovely people.
Lynn Maxwell, Lompoc CA.
Eric Cortez
October 9, 2020
In 1962 Coach Koller led us to Sunset League Champs, a first at Western. And 2nd in CIF. Wish I could have connected with Don as an adult. He inspired me to have a 33 yr teaching career and 40+ years of coaching. And I continued to run in competitions well into my 40’s before my knees gave out.
Thanks Coach
Eric Cortez
October 9, 2020
Coach Koller was my cross country coach in 1962. He led us to the First Sunset League Championship in Western’s history. And we got 2nd in the CIF finals, losing but only 6 points.
I am so sorry I never connected with him as an adult. Vietnam distracted me and later moved to Humboldt County. He inspired me to become a 33 year teacher and over 40 years of coaching.
Eric Cortez
October 9, 2020
Coach Koller was my cross country coach in 1962. He led us to the First Sunset League Championship in Western’s history. And we got 2nd in the CIF finals, losing but only 6 points.
I am so sorry I never connected with him as an adult. Vietnam distracted me and later moved to Humboldt County. He inspired me to become a 33 year teacher and over 40 years of coaching.
Eric Cortez
October 9, 2020
Coach Koller was my cross country coach in 1962. He led us to the First Sundet League Championship in Western’s history. And we got 2nd in the CIF finals, losing but only 6 points.
I am so sorry I never connected with him as an adult. Vietnam distracted me and later moved to Humboldt County. He inspired me to become a 33 year teacher and over 40 years of coaching.
Carol Noffsinger Rankin
June 2, 2020
e will always be in the hearts and minds of everyone he touched at Western High School. God bless his family.
Linda Groff
June 1, 2020
One of my favorite teachers in high school. I remember him fondly.
Ringo Hanson
December 17, 2018
One of the few teachers that reached me. Thank you!
John Chaldu
March 26, 2018
I am so sad to hear about Chuck's passing. I was a teacher with Chuck at both Western High and Cypress. I considered Chuck a good friend and mentor through the years.
He was a fantastic teacher! I have never known a teacher that made students think more than Chuck. He was a master at class discussions. I would see students cut other classes so that they could sit in on Chuck's class. He respected all students and they had great respect for him.
I will always cherish the conversations on books, films, politics, and especially sports that I had with Chuck.
My sincere condolences to Maggie and the grandkids.
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in Donald Koller's name
Memorial Events
for Donald Koller
How to support Donald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Donald Koller's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
