Daniel T. Mistler
March 24, 1942 - February 17, 2022
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Daniel T. Mistler, 79, of Edgewood, KY passed away on Thursday, February 17, 2022. The year was 1945 and Laura Mistler suddenly found herself a widow with five young children. Unable to provide for them, she moved Dan and his four older siblings into the Covington Protestant Children's Home. Eventually she moved them out and into public housing at Latonia Terrace. Dan's teen years were difficult with the stigma of public housing following him. At one point in elementary school a teacher told his mom that when he turned 16 she should pull him out of school because he would never graduate. He graduated from Holmes High School in 1961 and attended Eastern Kentucky University. After his sophomore year he enrolled at the University of Cincinnati, so he could be close to his high school sweetheart, Kay Thompson. They married that summer and he graduated with a B.A. from UC in 1966. He attended Salmon P. Chase College of Law. During this time, he continued to work and provide for his family, running Lang's Pet Store in Covington for several years before taking a job as a claims adjuster. He graduated with a law degree in 1981. His mother told him she didn't care what kind of law he practiced as long as he used his legal abilities to help people. He spent his life paying it forward, helping others and advocating for those unable to do so themselves. He was involved in public housing, providing legal counsel for Newport Housing Authority into the 90's and served on the board of Covington City Heights housing development. In 1995 he was named a Hero of Public Housing by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. In 2010 he received the Nick of Time Award from the Northern Kentucky Volunteer Lawyers for intervening in the last minute in a complex case requiring immediate action to assist three disabled clients who were victims of an elaborate real estate and financial scam. After 50 years he found his way back to the orphanage where he had lived. It was now named the Children's Home of Northern Kentucky. He felt the need to give back to the home that was instrumental in keeping his family together. He became a board member and eventually served as President of the Board of Trustees and was a driving force in major positive changes during the years he was involved. It became his passion to help children and families. He represented the Trustees of the Kentucky Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, winning a multi- million-dollar settlement for the church. He was a member of the board of directors of Action Ministries Food Bank/Food Pantry, a member of the board at Rosedale Manor Nursing Home and Columbia Federal Bank. He also served as chairman of Staff Parish Relations committee at Immanuel United Methodist Church. He retired as a partner from DBL Law firm in 2013 and later that year was inducted into the Holmes High School Hall of Distinguished Alumni in recognition of his achievements and contributions. Dan was a man of great faith and was an active member of Immanuel United Methodist Church in Lakeside Park. He enjoyed woodworking, collecting coins, billiards, Friday evening dinners at Barleycorns with friends, and watching his grandchildren in their various sports and activities. Even though he was a UC graduate, he was a lifelong University of Kentucky fan and loved cheering on his Wildcats. He was a family man through and through and nothing brought him more pride and love than being with his wife, daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren. Dan was preceded in death by his siblings and their spouses: Sue (Don) Reed, Alice (Paul) Richardson, Bill Mistler, Laura (Olle) Tegstam, and Jesse Sanders. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years: Kay Mistler; daughter: Sharon (Tony) Fritz; grandchildren: Morgan Kay Fritz and Nolan Daniel Fritz and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will take place on Saturday, February 26, 2022 from 9:30 AM until the Funeral Service at 11:30 AM at Immanuel United Methodist Church, 2551 Dixie Highway, Lakeside Park, KY 41017. Memorials are suggested to the Children's Home of Northern Kentucky, 200 Home Road, Covington, KY 41011. Online condolences may be expressed on Facebook or at www.connleybrothersfuneralhome.com
Condolences
Melissa Kavanaugh Zapanta - Feb 28, 2022
My condolences to the family. Dan was one of the nicest people I knew.
Ruth Richardson Fillmore - Feb 26, 2022
Grief and gratitude sum it up nicely. Love you forever Uncle Danny.
Dick Maile - Feb 26, 2022
I extend my deepesty sympathy and prayers to all of the family. Dan is one of the finest men I have met in my life. His legacy will live on. He is the epitome of the "Good and Faithful Servant". May you be consoled with the faith he is in the arms of our awesome God.
Debbie Norris Vandergrift - Feb 25, 2022
Thoughts and prayers for the family at this difficult time.
John & Betty Minor - Feb 25, 2022
A true gentleman and wonderful friend. He will be truly missed by all you knew him.
Todd True - Feb 25, 2022
Dan was always a great friend and mentor to our family. Huge heart and a sharp mind. He orchestrated so many great things behind the scenes and never took credit that was due. Our parents thought so highly of him and as we grew older we came to appreciate the solid Godly man that he was. What a legacy. So many lives he touched. He had a great ear to listen, At the same time he would be working to resolve the issue at hand. The generation we have lost in the past several years we’re going to be hard to replace. It makes us all want to step up and do better. Much love Kay And the family. From the True Family Charlie Toby Chuck Todd and Kris.
Jesse A. Sanders (grandson of Jess Sanders, Jr.) - Feb 24, 2022
I only met Danny twice in my life, at the funerals of his mother, Aunt Laura, and my grandfather, Jess Sanders Jr., but I will never forget how kind and approachable he was to me. I have only heard great things about him, mostly from my dad, Don Sanders (his cousin), who was very fond of him, so I feel like I knew him better than I actually did. I'll always be thankful to him for helping my grandmother, Margie, in her last days. The highest honor any of us can ever hope to attain is leaving a good name when we die. Danny Mistler has certainly done just that, and I have no doubt that his good example will be remembered for many years to come. I wish his family all the best.
Bob Hoffer - Feb 23, 2022
Dan was a dear friend, colleague, and law partner for me and everyone at DBL Law for many years. His faith, hard work, and dedication for making life better for those less fortunate is emblematic of what we strive to live every day. We will miss him greatly. Our love and prayers go out to his wife Kay, daughter Sharon, son-in-law Tony and their family. - Bob Hoffer, managing partner of DBL Law.
Ralph and Diana Nauglebaugh - Feb 22, 2022
Sorry to hear about Dan, he will be missed no matter how bad he felt he took the time to come and greet us with a big hug at church. Kay and the family are in our prayers
Todd Dykes - Feb 22, 2022
I am grateful to have known Dan. I always valued his warmth, kindness and sharp mind. My sincere condolences.
Ky and Martha Webb - Feb 22, 2022
Dan was a good "back of the sanctuary" friend from Immanuel Church. Having read the details of his amazing life journey I am so humbled to have known him. The rest of us can only hope to emulate Dan's blueprint of service, giving back and remembering our benefactors. "Well done, good and faithful servant." We pray the most loving blessings and care from our Lord for Kay and the family.
Jerry Abbott - Feb 22, 2022
Dan was my best friend. I loved him dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kay, Sharon and his beloved family. Rest In Peace my friend. Till we meet again!
Faye (Davis) Gosney - Feb 21, 2022
My thoughts and prayers are with the Mistler family. I knew Dan and Kay from school. Dan was one of the nicest people I have ever known. He was very kind and treated everyone with respect. What a blessing it has been to know Dan and Kay as well.
Barbara Schaefer - Feb 21, 2022
My prayers are with the Mistler family in your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Dan on the Safety Net Alliance of NKY, and his commitment to the Children's Home and Action Ministries left a lasting impression on me. He was a fine, faith-filled man who graced our community and left the world a better place. May you find comfort in knowing that so many people have been touched by his life and legacy.
Jim Dietz - Feb 21, 2022
I am so sorry about your loss. This is a huge loss for a lot of people. Dan was one of the best human beings I've ever known. I owe so much to him for the opportunities and mentoring he provided for me. If Dan is not in heaven right now we are all in big trouble. Stephanie and I will be keeping all of you in our prayers. Jim and Stephanie Dietz
Diane Wilkening Gilb - Feb 21, 2022
We are truly sorry for your loss. Your father was a wonderful man. He lived to bless others. Prayers for you and your family, Diane, Louis & Davis
Jim Dorman - Feb 21, 2022
To Dan’s Family. Please accept my sincere sympathy as we all grieve his passing. I had the pleasure of working with Dan and Kay at Action Ministries. I loved them both. I am confident that Dan’s Mother would be very proud of him. Not only did he fulfill her wish of using his legal skills to help people, he used all of his skills to help others. I witnessed this firsthand as I worked with Dan on a few projects at the food pantry. I sincerely enjoyed working with him and talking with him. He made me feel appreciated and valued. He shared stories about his childhood with me and we both reflected on our youth as we shared how blessed we were to have done well in our lives. One time I went with him to Hathaway Court in Covington to sign up seniors who needed food assistance. Seeing how Dan interacted with the people there really helped me see what it means to be nonjudgmental and compassionate. His genuine compassion for others inspired me to be more caring and considerate of those I interact with. I shall never forget Dan and those memorable moments we spent together, and I shall always be grateful to have known such a fine example of a good Christian.
Dan Pohlgeers - Feb 21, 2022
Sharon, Tony and Family, the obituary is a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man. God's greatest gift is that the memories of our loved ones live on in our hearts for ever. Your dad/grandfather impacted the lives of many people his short time on earth. The impact of his work and you will be his legacy for a very long time. In heaven there is rest. Fondly Dan Pohlgeers
Kim Lohre Van Valkenburgh - Feb 21, 2022
Sharon, Tony and family - I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad sounds like a beautiful man who made such a positive impact on this world.
Tom Hall - Feb 20, 2022
So sorry to hear about Dan. He was a good man and classmate. My prayers are with Kay and the family.
Phil and Donna Barker - Feb 20, 2022
Such a great guy and a true friend. We will always remember our Friday nights in our 'reserved booth' at Barleycorn's. The group seemed to be able to solve the problems of the world in just one evening and couldn't wait for the next week to see what else we could take care of. RIP, our dear friend. You have definitely earned your Angel wings. We will always love you.
