Thank you all of Covington for your prayers and kind words. Thank you to all his teammates and classmates. Daniel, Dan the man, or as I called him simply the boy will be missed by us all. It is very special for me and his mother to know just how many people loved our son. He has touched more lives than we will ever know. Daniel loved life and lived it to the fullest. I just want everyone to know with God’s love and with the support of family and friends we will get through this tragedy. Please feel free to stop by anytime for a hug. He will be deeply missed by all.
Thank you, everyone.
The Rindler’s
Kevin, Kim, Rachael, Jenna and, of course, Daniel
Recently, Covington High School lost one of its finest students. Daniel (Dan) Rindler was about to enter his sophomore year. He served as a class officer for the class of 2008. With a 4.0 G.P.A., Dan was at the top of his class academically. He had already lettered in football and track, and participated on the school’s basketball team.
Dan was known for his out going personality and enthusiasm in all he did. Fellow football players recall that Dan entered every huddle with a desire to excel and motivate his teammates. Teachers agree he approached academics with the same fervor. Consequently, Dan was popular among his peers and appreciated by the faculty and staff of Covington Schools.
Good character was another of Dan’s attributes. He was the type of student who would rather set an example instead of blending with the crowd. Dan’s values were evident in his actions and his relationships. His leadership will be sorely missed in the halls of Covington High School.
Perhaps the best evidence of Dan’s impact on his peers is the large group of students who gathered to honor his memory Wednesday evening and again Thursday afternoon. It is through these gatherings and shared recollections that Dan’s memory will continue in our community.
Covington High School
Things haven’t been the same in Covington since Dan has been gone…I didn’t know Dan that well..but it seemed like he had a lot of friends and family who loved him dearly!…everyone in Covington is in my prayers.
much love
Chelsea
What to say about Dan the Man? The only thing I can think of is that he was very special and anyone that knew him was very honored. I just want everyone to remember good times with Dan. The first thing that I can think of is my dads first year coaching Little Buccs Football and Dan was on the team. I knew that Dan was not a quitter in anything he did and he set high goals for himself. One thing I remember from that year in Little Buccs football was the very first game. Dan had broken a couple fingers during the game, so my dad took him out of the game. Dan told my dad “Tom tape me up and put me back in”, my dad didn’t want to do this until after he talked to Dan’s dad Kevin. So after my dad finally got Dan taped up and back in the game. Dan was very eager to play and as soon as Dan got back into the game he scored a touchdown with some broken fingers. That shocked my dad and that is when I knew Dan was the Man that he said he was. So please everyone don’t remember the sad times just remember the good times you had with Dan the Man.
My prayers go out to everyone that knew Dan especially his family and close friends.
So everyone think of the good times.
Sincerely,
Kaila Kinnison- A friend from Bradford
I can’t believe Dan is really gone. I miss him so much… I didn’t even know him all that well…. just somewhat through my brothers relationship and through Rachael..and the football team… Dan was a great person… and believed in his self and others in so many ways… he never gave up he just kept trying…. I wish I would of known him better but even know I still love him and wish he wasn’t gone…Dan always had his ways of making someone smile or laugh when he was around them and they were down. I am so proud I had the privelage of knowing Dan… even if I didn’t know him that well I still feel like we were brother and sister…
Dan will always be and all of are hearts..and are prayers….
*Even if we can’t see Dan right now… were still with him in spirt and he’s not gone forever… I mean, one day we’lll be with him and see him again… and when it rains think of him helping all the angels above pouring down the rain and wishing he was with us that day, time, and moment. And when the sun is hot think of him flying high above the sky looking down on us while we’re having a great time while he is to with all the angels above.. where we will be someday too!
**And if theres anything you need please call sometime and I will try my best to help
“.. time well release your pain, life’s about changes nothing ever stays the same and she’s says…How can I help you..to say good bye? It’s okay to hurt…and its okay to cry………..and I will try…how can I help you…to say good bye?”
Dan will always and forever be the man!
with love,
Kristin Swabb
Wow, how life changes in so little time. Before leaving for vacation I remember talking to Dan about a few things before he went to play poker. He always looked at the bright side of things and had a skill of making people laugh. Wherever he went, whatever he’d do, he’d always be smiling about something. His enthusiasm was captivating, and anyone who was around him was nothing but happy.
While dating his neighbor and one of his best friends, Dan and I were able to talk more and get to know each other better. Seeing him almost everyday, whether it being him playing basketball with his dad or setting off fireworks with Thomas, I realize that it’s gonna be harder than I thought to not be able to see him.
Dan, I miss seeing your smile everyday. I miss seeing you play basketball with your dad. I miss watching you play cards at Tom’s house. I miss the times when I’d answer the phone and you’d be on the other end. I miss the jokes you’d tell me. I miss your “wise” advice 🙂 . I miss you jumping on my car. I miss our little talks. I miss your perfect smile. Most of all, I miss the feeling of happiness that you’d give me just by saying a few words when life was at its “worst”. — I love you and miss you so much, hun. I know you’re in a better place, and I’ll see you there someday.
God Bless,
Tiffany Lyons
I didn’t know Dan that well but I knew him enough to love him.
Dan was the man and Dan will always be the man. Everybody loved Dan. How could you not love Dan? He was funny, cute, he had a great personality, he also had a great smile. A smile that could make you happy when you were sad. On the football team he was #28 and he will always be #28. I will never forget #28.
To the family…Kim, you are a great mom and you can still be a great mom. You have two beautiful daughters and they still need your love. Dan still needs your love. Kevin, you are a great father. You loved Dan and you will always love Dan. We all know that none of the family will forget Dan. Rachael and Jenna, you are great sisters. I wish I had sisters like you. If you ever need help…I’m here for you. Give me a call.
Dan, I love you. We will always miss you.
I am not going to say goodbye to Dan. I am just going to say, see you later.
Love,
Shawnee Shively- friend
I met Dan from one of his best friends (Brent). I am soo happy that brent introduced me to Dan. Dan was great. He always made me smile when I was having the worst day out there! Dan is awesome. He had an amazing personality and he accomplished so much! Dan will be missed so much by so many people. He had a huge heart and he always knew what to say to make me laugh. Dan touched a lot of peoples hearts. There are so many words that could be used to describe Dan. So I can’t pick just one. He was an out of the world friend! I don’t understand why bad things have to happen to good people. I love Dan so much. And I will always remember him. To me…Dan is still here and he is ready to start playing football and he is ready to go out there and make Covington proud.
A Newton Freshman
Dan, it is so hard to loose someone as special, close, and a best friend like you were. You were always there to make me and many other people laugh, or cheer them up, or even give them encouragement in anything that there was. Dan you were a person that touched so many lives and it was truly heartbreaking to hear that you had left us. We are missing you out there playing football, but we know that you are up there watching us all the way. I know that the first week of school is going to be the toughest. Walking in and seeing no Dan Rindler to crack jokes, eat lunch with, sit and chill with, or to study with. Dan you were the guy that everyone wanted to be around, you always kept us going no matter what. So I give my greatest sympathies to The Rindler Family and also to you Dan. I Love You Man, and you will always be in my heart.
Sincerely,
Bill Dickey
Dan got more out of his 15 yrs. on earth than most of us will get in our entire lifetime. Whether it be academics, athletics, or life in general. Dan gave 110%. It is amazing how he impacted so many lives in so little time. As I told so many people, Dan was the son all parents dream of having. Kevin and Kim were so fortunate to have had that privilege. God be with his family. We will keep you in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Dennis Dickey
My daughter met Dan through Youth Ministry classes. Dan became a great friend to her. He made her laugh by telling her his silly jokes. They enjoyed each others company thru class and on the internet. She misses him dearly. Dan even asked me if she was allowed to date and with her only being 13, I said “No”. He replied back, “That’s okay, neither can I”.
“Dan the Man” will be missed by all.
Kevin and Kim, My deepest sympathy goes to you and your family. Your son touched a lot of people and you should be very proud of him.
A Bradford Parent
Deb Wirrig
Things happen for a reason but some are for the good and some are for the worst.
I wouldn’t have gotten to know the real Dan if it wasn’t for a schedule change the second week of school. I knew he would be sitting across from me since that seat was open. Dan really did care a lot about people, he helped me out in Spanish II even though he was in Spanish I he’d always want to quiz me, and I do the same back to him. We would always race to see who would be done with our computer projects since we were both good at computers. He’d always win though and have to come and help me out cause you know me I’ll get stuck at some point. It’s just the little things he does to make you care and you don’t realize it till it’s gone. However, Dan you will always be in my heart no matter what. And I’m glad you got a schedule change because you really made an impact in my life.
Whenever I’d go to the track meets he would always be so pumped up and flirting with girls. Just being his goofy self, flinging bottle caps at me which kind of hurt but I took the pain. I’ve never actually saw him in a bad mood. He was just the kind of person that would get your spirits up and that’s what got my attention about him and I admired him for it.
I look back on the days I had with Dan and smile cause I’m so glad God gave me the opportunity to meet such a special person.
Rindler family – my thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Amanda Furrow
I still can’t believe the thing… I’ve been busy cause of preparation for a college, today I heard the thing.
During my stay in Covington, he and I were not only good friends, but good rival. We practiced track together as a sprinter. He was just a freshman, but I couldn’t surpass him at sprint. He was really good sprinter. I thought he would be the best sprinter of the state.
I put a picture of him and me on this email. Before taking this picture, he said “Hey, Nobu, She is hot! Take a pic of her!!!” to me. I still clearly can remember what he said.
It is a great honor to be a friend of him.
I hereby pray for the repose of Dan’s soul.
God bless,
Ienobu Kaneko – a foreign friend
This past year I really got to know Dan Rindler. He was a friend, a positive influence, an athlete, and a great person.
I was a junior in high school, while Dan was a freshman. With that being said, Dan and I don’t go “way back” like he and his classmates do. But, you know how you always have the little “buddies” that walk you to class…and wait for you at lunch…and chat with you online? I had Dan.
Each day I’d sit in class and the bell would ring for Dan’s study hall to get out. As the pack of students would leave everyday, I’d look through the window of the government classroom I was sitting in to the hallway where I’d eventually spot Dan walking out. When he walked out of the room we’d looked at each other and I’d smile at him, and in return he’d wink at me. I chuckled at the thought of our little ritual everyday, but at the same time it made me realize how much Dan cared, and eventually it became a part of my day.
Dan had a character that was indescribable. He did the simple things that made everyone feel like they were worth a million bucks. There wasn’t a day that went by that I wasn’t enthralled by his outgoing personality or didn’t notice his perfect grin, which usually ended up rubbing off on me.
It’s going to be hard going back to school, sitting in my chair, and looking through the glass window waiting for someone who used to be there everyday. Dan has impacted my life in an innumerable amount of positive ways, as he has many others. I’ve thanked God since the tragedy happened on August 3rd for putting Dan in my life, and I will continue doing that for as long as I live.
To the Rindler family – Dan was nothing but the best. He will be missed greatly.
I’ll miss your winks, I’ll miss your smile, and I’ll miss you.
Can’t wait to see you again,
Michelle Meyer
Dan was definitely one of the best, he always knew how to make somebody laugh, smile and have a good time. You’ll rarely ever find a person that everybody likes and who likes everybody, but Dan was that person. Whenever I was sad or upset, Dan was always there to bring me up and make me laugh and feel better about whatever the situation might be. He always told me the positives of everything, and I think that is because he always lived his life thinking about the positives and thinking about everything but something unhappy or negative. I will truly miss Dan Rindler, he was one of the greatest people that I have ever known, and I will never meet another that has touched half as many lives as Dan has in his 15 years of life. Dan, I love you and will never forget you.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. and Mrs. Rindler. You have raised a beautiful son and should be nothing but proud. Also to Rachel and Jenna, you two are lucky to have had such a wonderful brother to grow up with and to also learn from.
Love,
Krissi Tobias
I had only known Dan a couple of years but that was more than enough to show me what a great guy he was. We went to Youth Ministry together. Dan always made it so much fun because he was always telling some silly joke, or had a funny comment but Dan always had such an upbeat attitude that would rub off on anyone around him. You only had to meet Dan one time to know he was a great guy he would treat you like he had known you for years. One of the things I will miss most about him is how he could always no matter what make everyone around him smile.
I know when you lose someone it hurts but, I think it hurts much worse when that person it young especially when it is someone like Dan because he had so much potential to do so many great things with his life.
My heart goes out to anyone who had ever known DAN THE MAN.
Cassie Bishop – A friend from Bradford
I have always believed that when someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.
Dan Rindler is a treasure. He spent 15 years of his life in a small town treasure chest and in the end became one of the most precious gems Covington has had to offer. His mind and soul glittered as he chased his dreams of curing cancer, coaching pee wee football, and maintaining his strong relationship with God. His goals and ambitions say a lot about this special guy, he has set the standard for everyone in our community. Now it seems like Dan “The Man” Rindler has fulfilled his ultimate goals in life, to be a positive influence in the life of a friend or even a stranger, and to make even a slight impact on this town. No one in Covington will forget Dan, especially when school starts and there’s no “smart kid” to cheat off of, or to laugh at while he sweats in his yellow tuxedo. He has definitely changed my life, forever.
As old pirate tales tell, every treasure has a map with clues that serve as checkpoints on the journey to the treasure’s discovery. In all of the checkpoints I will reach in the course of my life I know Dan will be with me, guiding me, laughing with me, and cheering me on. For not even death can break the bonds of love and friendship. Although, a pirate can’t imagine the glory of a treasure until he finds it. In Dan’s case, we always knew what an amazing treasure he was but now, we can only cherish the time we were lucky enough to spend with him. Now that those bright brown eyes are no longer with us, I have realzied what a valuable companion he was to me, and always will be.
Not even death can break the bonds of love, and I will always love my Danny boy.
Miss you Daniel J!
Your “wife,”
Laynie Fulks
Dan was one of those people where he could make you smile and laugh when you were feeling crappy. He always had something to say and always said it. He had the biggest heart and cared for everyone in his life. Last year during track season, it was my birthday and he found a little matchbox car in the mud, and he gave it to me and told me that here’s a present for a special birthday girl. I will never forget you Dan. It’s hard to forget someone that touches your life in so many ways. Watch over us and guide us Dan.
I love you Danny Boy,
Chelsea – friend
There is so much to be said about Dan. He was the nicest kid I had ever met. He was the guy that when he walked in the room, you knew it. Every time I saw Dan walk into the room he was either telling a joke and laughing about it, or he was just smiling.
For Dan, so much has been accomplished in such little time. He was only 15, but he made an impact on his family and friends that a 60-year-old man would have made. He was the guy that would’ve been at the class reunions with the most spirit, energy, and jokes to share with you.
With Dan as a friend, I learned so much from him. If I sat in class and asked him for help, he would risk getting in trouble to help you understand. That’s the kind of friend he was.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. and Mrs. Rindler for teaching their son to be as good as he was. And to Rachel and Jenna for having a great big brother.
As for Dan, I love you, and will always miss you. I hope you can look down from heaven upon your friends, family, and classmates, and watch out for us. You were something special. You were my light at the end of the tunnel.
Love,
Jennifer Basye, A friend, and a classmate
I just got done reading everyone else’s e-mails and really there is nothing else to say. I think it’s obvious that Dan treated everyone the same way, which is hard to do. I mean, just look at the assortment of people that cared about him and enjoyed him being around. Everything about Dan’s personality everyone liked. You know, everyone says you don’t know how precious something is until it’s gone, but I think that we knew how precious Dan’s life was. It’s just now we’re expressing our feelings for Dan more freely. I think that most of the time, when somebody dies, people get carried away when they talk about the person who died. They make them seem like a better person than they actually were. But Dan is a totally different case. He was the guy you wanted to be. You wanted his desire, his knowledge, his spirit, his confidence, his gift to make you laugh at will. He is someone that when you state his qualities you can go on for hours and still be telling the truth. I just know that if he impacted my life so much for only knowing him for three years, there’s no telling what could have happened for the rest of my life. I will see you again Dan and there’s gonna be a big hug waitin’ for ya.
Mr. and Mrs. Rindler we knew you had to be some of the best parents to raise such a fine young man like Dan. DAN THE MAN!!!!!!!!!
I love you Dan,
Big D
P.S. Sounds Good!!!!!!
You were a good football player. I am sad you are gone, but I know you are in a better place now and you are happy too.
Ariel Robinson, 8 years old
I can’t wait to play football someday. I want to wear #28. That’s my new lucky number because Dan was a good player.
Branden Robinson, 6 years old
My son was a friend to Dan, as it is evident many, many were. I witnessed many heavy hearts at the funeral home, and then again today, at the funeral. I never really believed the saying that ”there is a reason”, but maybe there is a reason. Maybe it is to show us all how precious life can be. Maybe it is that extra hug and kiss when our kids leave the house. Maybe it is that extra effort we put forth, like Dan would have done. Maybe it is that extra smile we might give someone that they would remember about us. Maybe it the sense of humor he possessed. Maybe it is so our kids can have an angel like Dan looking them. Please let there be a reason. To the Mom and Dad of Dan, you must be so proud of your son. He has touched so many. What an honor it is that you have shared him with so many.
……thank you
Dedicated to Dan The Man
Wow, seems like time is really moving slow. I miss him so much. He really was a great guy. Why someone like him had to be taken away from us all is still a mystery to me. Sometimes, I regret going on the Smokey Mountain Trip. That’s were I got to know Dan the best. He always had some wisecrack that seemed to make everyone smile. Whether you, the reader, realize or believe this or not, Dan was a best friend to everyone. You can tell by how many are walking with gloomy faces. It really sucks. I hate seeing you go, Dan. I’ll miss your stupid jokes in English. All the girls thought you were a cutie and all the guys thought you were just one of the guys. Now I kind of wish that I did join your spoon band, but I know wherever you are you’re playin’. Every time I see someone drinking water I picture walking down the halls of CHS squirting everyone. Boy where you a menace. We all love you any way. No matter what we may act like, we’re all truly falling apart on the inside. I know I sure miss you. If you promise to watch down on all of us and guide us through this, I promise I’ll start a spoon band (in your memory of course). Well Dan, I love you, and I’ll sure miss you. God Bless!
“I Pity The Fool!” – Dan Rindler
Love always from a friend and classmate,
Michayla VanDeGrift
Dan was such a great guy. Everyone that knew him loved him. He was an awesome friend to everyone he met. He was determined and accomplished anything he set his mind to. I don’t know why it happened. I guess God felt that Dan’s job here on earth was complete. I know that he’s watching over us now and he’s our angel. Dan, you are missed by so many, and loved by all. Kim, Kevin, Rachael, and Jenna, I’ll be praying for you. You had a very important person in your life. He is still with you always.
Alyssa
I knew Dan through my brother Logan. They were computer in track, “partners” in english, and poker buddies. The advise I gave my brother is the same advise I would give everyone in high school, use this event as a stepping stone in your life. Don’t leave any task unfinished or any words unspoken. Dan lived his life to the fullest, and in my opinion he lived it right. Take hold of your dreams, and follow though with your goals. You can do anything you set your mind to, and if you didn’t have a reason before you do now. Do it for Dan. Do it for his family. Do it for yourself. This event has made me rethink my goals. As I leave for college I’ll be thinking of Dan and how he has touched my life and my family’s. My prayers go out to his family, and especially his sisters. Being a sister myself I can’t imagine what they are going though. In loving memory of #28.
Mallory Hall – upperclassman
Dan was my fourth grade buddy when I was in first grade. He influenced me more than anyone I know. He never missed one day as being my buddy, and if I didn’t get something he’d work on it with me until I did.
He could cheer up anyone even if they tried their hardest not to let him somehow Dan would cheer them up enough to make them smile. Dan was always willing to do that no matter what. It’s going to be hard to go on without him to cheer us up, but we’ll always have to remember that he’s always right beside us now even if we can’t see him there.
We’ll have to think about how much his family will miss him also because I know if he was my son, brother, or any kind of relation that a hole is in the family perminately. Dan was the greatest guy you could meet and it really stinks that he had to leave so soon. But God has a purpose and only he knows why Dan had to leave us.
I considered him to be my brother. Since I am an only child it felt good, no it felt great to have a brother even if he wasn’t really. Now I know how Rachel and Jenna feel to have lost him.
I have deepest sympathy for the Rindler family. If you guys need someone to talk to I don’t have internet but you can give me a call. I’ll always have time for you. just like Dan always had time for me.
I Love You Rindlers!
Sincerely,
Chelsea Wackler – a friend and sister
It’s really hard sitting here just thinking about things. I really didn’t know Dan that well because I just moved here from Tecumseh, but Dan was helping me out getting to know the plays and such. For the time that I did know him, he was an awesome guy and I would have liked to got to know him better. I have lost two friends in the past month and Dan makes the third, so I have an understanding on how the team feels about everything. I just want to say I wish the best wishes to his family and friends. I was thinking about asking coach, out of respect, for the first game to go out in a ten man defense on the first play. That sounds really good to show him respect that he definitely deserved.
Sincerely,
Travis Wamer- Teammate-friend
I’ve always considered Dan as my Best Friend. It’s hard to remember all the good times Dan and I had because it always makes me cry. We had good times at church or just talking on the internet. It’s going to be hard without him. He was a good person to talk too about anything and I don’t want to see him go, but I guess we can’t control it. These past couple days have been hard on all of us.
My Best Wishes go to the Rindler family. If you need to talk I’m always on so don’t be afraid to talk to me.
I Love U Dan with all my heart, (ILU)
Love,
Marissa Wirrig- Friend From Bradford
I’m just really sad..I didn’t really know Dan that well..but he just seemed like a great guy who had lots of family and friends who loved him dearly..but he is happy where he is..and I guess God just needed him for something else..but he’s definitely up there doing something he loves.
No name provided.
One of the last things Dan said to me before 8/3/05, was a week before school went out. He asked about my grades and told me that I had to have them up so I could play and that if I didn’t, our (Jordy, Me, Dan) handshake would be messed up.
I didn’t know Dan as long as some people did, but there was something about him that made you think that you knew him forever. I can’t remember one time during practice where he got flustered or mad, because that’s the kind of kid he was. If he made a mistake, he would act like he was supposed to do it and he would make you pay for it sooner or later. Like Coach Finfrock said, “He’s only a freshman, but he doesn’t back down from anything or anybody. He’s a gutsy kid.” There will probably never be a football player with that much heart and talent for the game in a long time.
He was one in a million and I want to thank Mr. and Mrs. Rindler for bringing such a great friend in this world.You will always be in our hearts.
Sincerely,
Kyle Chalmers – Teammate
Dan, there isn’t very many words to describe what has happened, but I know and I think I speak for everyone when I say that you are going to be missed so much. You were one of the greatest guys that I have ever known. You were the ideal guy for a girl, cute, athletic, friends with almost everyone, and on-top of all that, you had a personality that was one of a kind. No matter how sad someone could be you could always make them cheer up some how.
I know that everything has to happen for a reason, I just wish that we could be told the reason Why? Why Dan? Why Now? There aren’t any words to write, think, or say about how you can feel about this.
I’m not going to say Good-Bye to Dan, only See you later.
Sincerely,
Kristin Dankworth
I remember Dan back in the days. He used to bully me a lot. People always told me it was because he liked me. He finally did tell me that he did. (This year he wrote me a note that said, “Me amore tu.” If you take Spanish or know it, you know what it means. This year we have become so close. He became my best male friend. He helped me with homework, he made me laugh, he even sat by me in all of the classes we had together. I know the saying that no one is perfect, but I now think Dan has proven that statement false. He was; in every way. My greatest sympathies go out to his family. I know how hard it is for you. You have two beautiful daughters to raise and they will help you through. I’m sure.
Well, Dan, continue doing what you love up there. We’re rootin’ for ya! Go #28!
Love you always,
Meredith DeHart
PS. Me amore tu tambien.
I don’t even know what to say. The last thing I said to Dan was later little buddy and he just I smiled and jumped on his mo-ped and drove off. I got really close to Dan in these last 3 years. He was my football brother and he was my little track buddy. Dan told me the last time I saw him that he was going to go run winter track with me so we could get better. That will stick in my head for the rest of my life. This part is to you Dan, I know you’re watching over me as I type this but you were my little buddy and I love you man. Me and you had the relationship, anything we said to each other was a joke and we both knew it. The nipple pinches, the piggyback rides, that I always made you give me. That’s what I am going to miss the most. I miss you buddy. I love you more than anything in the world and you weren’t ready to leave me because, I know I need you and so does everybody else, just buddy please look after me and everybody else.
Zack Deeter – Teammate and Brother
Why did it have to be Dan? I knew Dan for awhile and I guess we were friends. He was one of the nicest guys I had ever met. He tried so hard at everything he did and even things he wasn’t good at doing. Everyone in Covington knew him and loved him. We all still do. He was special, one of the best. He could always make you laugh and smile. I had some memories with him, and some at the church we both would go to. All I can say now is Dan, I love you man, I’ll never in my lifetime forget you. You will always be in my prayers forever. Also my prayers go out to the Rindler Family, you had a great person in your life. I’m glad I met him, it was an honor to know someone like Dan Rindler. Dan, I’ll never forget you.
Sincerely,
Jordy Meyer- A friend
Dan was one of my best friends. He and I played baseball when we were little kids. I will never forget him as he was a friend to everyone. Sometimes life just isn’t fair. Someone so young and full of life should have the chance to live and not be taken from us.
Sincerely,
Austin Walker
Why do bad things happen to good people? I don’t know if anybody is capable of answering this question. I will always remember Dan. No matter how down I was he always found a way to make me smile and I think that will be what I remember the most. He always gave everything 110%, even if at the end of the day, the task wasn’t finished.
Dan and I were really close. We always sat by each other in class, attended the same church, and hung out whenever time permitted. I would say he was top of the class and one of the best people Covington had to offer.
Dan was just one of those people. The kind of kid that even though he was from a little town like Covington, would somehow be found and make it big. I always thought he would be president someday. He wasn’t one of those kids that would just sit around and wait for things to happen. Dan made things happen in a big way.
There will always be that little void in my life where Dan used to be. Everybody will always remember him. I mean, who could forget the boy that wore a yellow tux to school on the last day? Or the boy whose smile could light up the world? I love you Dan, and I always will. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, and everybody else whose lives were touched by Daniel Joseph Rindler. He will forever remain a symbol that tomorrow is never promised, and to live each day to the fullest just like he did.
I guess good-bye’s are the hardest when they’re with somebody you love.
Love, Erin Christian
Well, I didn’t really know Dan but I have talked to him a few times and I do know that he was nice. I was on his sister’s softball team and I remember him cheering for one of us when ever we got to the base. I know it hurts when you lose a friend or family member that you have known for so long and its not right to go at a young age when you have the rest of your life ahead of you.
I know Dan would have wanted us to be happy and enjoy life while you can. It’s not fair that he had to go, but God said it was the right time and we know he will be happy up there where he can follow his dreams and live the rest of his life.
My thoughts go out to his family I know how much it hurts. We all know he is happy in the place that he went to.
Sincerely,
Channing Murphy
Well, I didn’t really know Dan as long as everyone else here in Covington. But Dan was a great person. He was always nice to everyone and just the type of person that would make you smile no matter how down you were. I know at the end of this school year Dan started talking to me a lot. He was so much fun to talk to and it is hard to know that I will not be able to talk to him again.
I am still in shock from this whole situation. I mean, why Dan? I guess God just thought that Dan came to Earth and accomplished what he was supposed to do, change others lives. And that is exactly what he did. I know that my life wouldn’t be exactly what it is now, if I had not met him.
I know that right now, Dan would not want to see us upset and to move on, but it is so hard knowing that he is not there to move on with us. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and the rest of the people that knew Dan way more then i ever would.
Dan I love you and I am going to miss you so much! #28 forever! You will always remain in mine and everyone else’s heart.
Love,
Meagan Grant
Me and Dan have been friends for as long as I can remember, and he has been that person that would cheer you up when you were feeling down and depressed. I don’t know why Dan had to leave us when he did but everything happens for reason I guess. Dan was a kid with great potential and could have been something really great. It’s a shame that he had to leave so soon because he had his whole life ahead of him but god works in mysterious ways. I’m pretty sure Dan wouldn’t want us to be depressed or sad and he would want us just to move on with our lives. Dan, I will always remember you and the times we spent together. I hope you’re in a better place. My prayers go out to Dan’s friends and family.
Sincerely,
Curtis Dysinger – A friend
I sit here thinking about all the things that happen in life and wonder why they happen. It seems so unfair that a guy like Dan Rindler has to be taken from us. I often find myself thinking about all the good times that I have had with Dan during practice, church festivities, class, and on Friday nights. This is one of the most emotional times that I have ever had to go through in my life at my age and I will never forget the times I talked to Dan and he would always turn around and give me a big smile that can never be replaced. Heck, I’m even crying right now, and I may sound dumb saying this, but myself as a senior looked up to Dan in a lot of ways. Dan Rindler will always be a special friend to me no matter what happens and will always be in my heart. My thoughts go out to his family and I hope that they can get through this as best as they can because I know its going to be hard for me and other people that knew Dan. I guess the only thing I can say about Dan Rindler is wow, I know that during my time on this earth I will never meet a kid as special as Dan Rindler.
Sincerely,
Nick Meyer – A Teammate
Dan was always nice to me even though I am only 11 years old. He treated me like his equal. I remember the 2004-2005 freshman basketball season, WOW, Dan was the most fun player to watch. A few weeks ago when I went to West Milton to watch his sister’s team play softball, he spent the whole day hanging out and talking with me. I am really going to miss him, and wish he was still here.
Troy Cron – A friend
At first we might want to be angry at God for taking such a great person away from us, but at the end of the day we have to respect his decision. God took Dan early for a reason, we may never know that reason here on Earth. But it’s like the age old saying “everything happens for a reason”. It was in God’s plan for Dan to go that day.
Even though I didn’t know Dan very well, I knew enough about him to know that he really was a great guy. I met Dan at the Covington Invitational track meet in Spring of this year. The moment I started talking to him I realized what fun he would be to hang around. I saw Dan a few times after that. He would always greet me with one of his big smiles. I talked to Dan on the internet the night before he passed away. We were planning to hang out sometime, he was going to call me the day he passed. When I heard the news of his death I couldn’t believe it. I still don’t think I believe it. Dan was such a great person to know. He could always made me laugh. I feel honored to have known him.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Dan Rindler. Also, to the driver of the semi. This death will I’m sure weigh heavy on his shoulders. May God be with them all.
God Bless,
A Bradford Teen
I’m never going to quite understand why it had to happen to Dan, but everything happens for a reason. I would consider myself one of Dans close friends. I don’t think I could have passed Spanish without him. He was in my group on the 8th grade Smoky Mountain trip and when I said I think I’m too scared to try this Dan was there saying “Ah, come on, you can do it”. I’ll never forget going to his house to make homecoming parade posters and seeing him walk into school with that yellow suit on. He always brought laughter everywhere he went. My best goes out to his family. We all know he’s happy now and is up there doing what he loves.
Love,
Amanda Sprankle
Right now I don’t know what to think about what happened on 8/3/05. Me and Dan had always been good friends and we still are, but Dan will always be with me and I will never forget the times that we shared. I know that Dan would tell us just to move on and enjoy life, but it’s hard to just forget about a friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to Dan’s family and relatives. Well Dan, I love you man and I will never forget you.
Sincerely, Jordy Burelison
God creates some people you know are special. You know, the people who are almost perfect in everything they do? Dan Rindler is one of God’s special creations.
Maybe that’s why he brought Dan home so soon.
It seems so unfair. Thinking back on the stupid things I did growing up I wonder how it’s fair that I’m still around…yet Dan Rindler, who walked the straight and narrow, happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. It makes a guy appreciate what he has, but feel guilty at the same time.
I knew Dan Rindler, but didn’t really know him. By that I mean, I knew Dan from covering him as a high school football player and from what I’ve heard from others, but I didn’t really know him well as a person.
I knew he was small in stature, but made up for his deficiencies with effort and determination. I knew he was a rare starter as a freshman, and one you were confident would be one of the great ones on the football field by the time he left Covington High School. I knew he was a hard worker as evident by his chiseled physique and willingness to do anything asked of him by his coaches. I knew he was quiet, yet confident he could take on any challenge. I knew he was fearless when it came to taking on opponents much bigger than him.
But, the ones who really knew him well were his family, his classmates, and his teammates. They knew the real Dan Rindler.
Even before his unexpected passing he was looked up too, respected, and admired by his teammates. It was evident by the way he was treated, even by the upperclassman. He was treated with respect and admired for his all out effort. He was popular in school and a straight “A” student. He was the best Covington had to offer.
Perhaps the best compliment that can be made about Dan Rindler is he is the type of young man you hope your own daughter brings home.
Again, maybe that’s why God brought him home so soon.
Ben Robinson
