Cancer puts teacher’s legacy front and center

By Dave Rasdal
The Gazette

MANCHESTER – Just when Dave Schultz thought he would retire from inspiring students, he’s been called upon to teach one more lesson.

Life’s last lesson.

How to die gracefully.

For 36 years, Dave has taught government and history at West Delaware High School. His last day in class is May 22.

For a month, Dave has known his body is riddled with aggressive esophageal cancer. His last day on Earth …

“It’s like I told them,” says Dave, 58, “I don’t have time to die this year. I’m too busy.”

So, when everyone at school migrated toward the auditorium May 8, Dave scratched his head. “Did I miss something?” he says.

When the time was right, Dave was led to the auditorium. Former student Jeff Lenhart called him on stage. Several hundred people stood and applauded. Dave gazed out from the bright lights. He swallowed hard.

“I’m never short of words,” Dave tried to joke. But the crackling of his voice betrayed his smile. “People have done a lot of stuff to make me cry lately.”

A lot of people have cried for Dave, too.

“He’s just a great guy, hands down,” says red-eyed Jennifer Huehnergarth, who has taught social studies with Dave for 13 years. “A tremendous asset to our school. A tremendous asset to our community. Anyone who knows Dave; he just beams positive things.”

The testimonials are many. Messages of encouragement written on paper balloons cover the walls of Dave’s classroom. Students and faculty wear light blue “Team Schultz” Relay for Life T-shirts.

In fact, 533 of the T-shirts have been sold. Jeff, who graduated in 2003 and now lives in McGregor, hopes to sell 2,000. He gave Dave a $1,200 check as part of the proceeds.

“Government was my favorite subject in school,” Jeff says. “He got me involved.”

Not every student was so inclined, even Dave’s son, Jordan, 24.

“He was tough. He didn’t like people sleeping in his class. I found that out the hard way.”

Dave sprays them with a water bottle.

He slams books on the floor to get attention.

He stands on his head, threatening to teach that way.

For a month, Dave has missed Thursday classes for treatment at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. Less than 5 percent of people with this cancer survive a year.

Yet, life goes on. Dave and his wife, Janis, will retire to Missouri. He vows to fight the cancer as best he can.

Then, when the time comes, Dave Schultz will leave behind a lesson for all.