The Iowa State community lost a former agricultural education professor last Thursday when Alan A. Kahler, 63, died of cancer in his home.

Kahler was a resident of rural Madrid and a member of the Bethel Church in Ogden, where funeral services were held on Sunday at 1 p.m. He was buried in the Ames Municipal Cemetery.

Kahler lived in Ames for many years while he was teaching at ISU. He moved to Boone County in 1990. He was a professor at ISU for 29 years until his retirement in 1997. Those who worked with Kahler remember him fondly.

“He was a very dedicated, sincere teacher and adviser,” said David Topel, dean of the College of Agriculture.

Topel said Kahler worked closely with individuals to improve their teaching techniques and methodology.

“We used to work together to improve our own teaching,” he said.

Topel said he feels the death is a great loss.

According to Topel, Kahler retired because of his failing health.

Many were hopeful that Kahler would have a long life afterward.

“When he retired, his cancer had regressed and we were all optimistic he would have a good retirement,” he said.

Kahler made the most of his time off and took an interest in growing dahlias, a hobby he picked up from one of his former students, Topel said.

Kahler was president of both the Iowa and National Dahlia societies. He was also involved in many other groups, including the Garden Club of Madrid, Boone County Planning and Zoning Committee and 4-H.

“He was a very understanding and caring person. He was always dedicated to helping people do better in their educational interests,” Topel said. “He was a really dedicated teacher and also helped others become good teachers.”

He devoted his life to helping others and quality education, Topel said. “That’s what he was.”

Topel said he felt Kahler’s students thought highly of him, and that students graded him highly on teacher evaluations.

The university will be holding a memorial for Kahler, though details are not yet available.