Daniel Mucklin

1947 - 2021

Daniel Mucklin
October 3, 1947 - May 6, 2021
Daniel Mucklin passed away in his sleep on May 6, 2021, from Congestive Heart Failure. The past few years he was plagued with a tortured body and a trapped genius mind.
Danny was born Daniel T Mucklinski, Jr. His father and many relatives were born Muchlinski. In 1954 as his family prepared their move from Racine, WI to Los Angeles they changed their names to Mucklin. Dan attended schools in LA and Santa Barbara.
He obtained degrees in History and Chemistry and graduated from Sonoma State University. He started teaching in Lancaster, CA at Edwards Air Force Base and later spent 30 or more years teaching Physics and Chemistry with AP classes at El Molino High School in Forestville, CA.
While teaching he continued his education and received a Master's in Finance and then became a Mortgage Broker for a short time.
Dan collected coins. He could tell you detailed facts about the coins and silver certificates, or why and when a certain coin changed its look or why a nickel is called a nickel.
Students and teachers alike appreciated his ability to make some hard science concepts easier to understand. The students loved his sense of humor. "Can we get our tests back?" "Yes and I'll also give you the front." One year he was voted Favorite Teacher. There was a picture of a really nice car above the front black board and a beat-up car on the ceiling. Look forward, pay attention and that is your future. Gaze at the ceiling and that may be your future.
He and his wife, Kathie, enjoyed a year sabbatical on Molokai, HI, where Dan taught Physics and Chemistry. He took a white board down to the beach to help prep the students for their AP exams on a few weekends. The local Hawaiians were not overly motivated but Dan never put them down and they appreciated that.
Later in 1999 Dan and Kathie took another year off and taught and worked in San Diego. He retired from El Molino in 2006.
He was predeceased by his father, Daniel T. Mucklin, Sr, his mother Irene Mucklin and his brother Dale Mucklin.
Danny was devoted to his niece, Kym Hall (her ex-husband, Steve Hall) and their sons Jacob, Sean and Kyle.
Dan was the consummate teacher even in retirement. He was always sharing science with his family ranging from lessons on sea turtle habitat while snorkeling in Hawaii to experiments with soda and mentos with his grandnephew's kindergarten class in Montana.
Dan adored his family and wanted them to appreciate the magic of science, the beauty of sunsets on the beach, the joy of meaningful music and the taste of a perfectly grilled steak.
Dan is survived by his wife, Kathie, of 31 years, his cousin Gene Mucklin of WI, his niece, Kym Hall in D.C., and grandnephews Jake, Sean and Kyle Hall.
Remember the good times. Dan was a funny guy.
No services are planned.