Jan 20, 1958---Nov 16, 2025
Daniel Ray Kultala, 67, Basehor, KS passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at University of Kansas Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Services to celebrate his life will be held at Porter Funeral Home,1835 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, KS 66102.  The visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with a service starting at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 20th. 
 
Dan was born on January 20, 1958, in Estherville, IA, the son of Edwin and Dorothea Schlotfelt Kultala. He moved to Ames, IA to attend college at Iowa State University where he met the love of his life, Kelly. They traversed across Iowa and Minnesota while working for HyVee. In 1981, they relocated to Lawrence, KS, where he began working for Standard Beverage.  In the early 1990s, they moved to Kansas City, KS and Dan went to work for Paramount Liquor, now Southern Glazier Wine and Spirits. Dan retired from Southern Glazier in 2021 due to his health. He loved his job and the people he worked with.

Dan loved to do anything outdoors including puttering around in his barn. He was a self-trained wood worker and enjoyed building items for family. His daughters will always treasure the wooden rocking cradles he made for his grandchildren.  Dan had a beautiful singing voice and enjoyed singing with his daughters. Also, he recently spent time restoring a couple of classic cars. He was an avid Chiefs, Royals, and KU fan. Dan had an incredible sense of humor which lives on through his daughters and grandchildren. His heart was pure gold. To say he will be greatly missed is a vast understatement.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Dan is survived by his wife of 47 years, Kelly Danise, and their three daughters and families: Taylor, Barry, Lane, Claire and Emma Burson; Whitney, Louis, Lola, and Cash Renshaw; and Spenser, Ryan, Bryce, and Josie Colston. He’s also survived by his siblings Steve and Laura Kultala, John and DeAnn Kultala, Sandy and Don Schlotfelt, Deb and Steve Feddersen, Kathy and Craig Johnson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the KU Kidney & Pancreas Transplant Team in Dan’s honor: KU Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Team

 



Condolences

Gayla and Sal Tocco Nov 17, 2025

Friends ,Prairie Village ,Kansas

Sal was lucky to have worked with Dan. What a wonderful human being. We enjoyed always talking with him and Kelly at work events plus honored to have attended the girls weddings. Dan will continue to live in our memories and great stories. God bless you all. ❤️

Jami Nov 17, 2025

Friend ,New York ,New York

So sorry to hear about Dan. How blessed you were to find each other & have such a happy family. My deepest sympathy to all of you.

Mary Alice Kiefer Sawaya Nov 17, 2025

HS friend ,Westminster ,Colorado

I have fond memories of Dan from our high school days. He had a positive impact on everyone he met. I believe his legacy is his extraordinary love for life and family. I miss him already. My condolences to all who feel his loss.

Frank Lombardo Nov 18, 2025

coworker ,Kansas City ,Missouri

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Dan. He was not only a great boss, but a true friend—someone who cared deeply for his family and friends and made everyone around him better. I’m grateful for the time I had working with him and for all that he taught me along the way. I’ll always remember his kindness, his humor, and of course, his love for Turtle Blizzards from Dairy Queen. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

Angela Marie Wahl Nov 18, 2025

Whitney, Louis, Lola, Cash, and family, we are so sorry about your dad. He was truly Superman. He fought the fight like no other with all of you to support, love, and fight with him. I feel like I have known your family for years. I know how hard it is and will be. Cherish all of your memories. Please know that I am here if you need anything my friend. Sending you prayers, hugs, and love. Ang & Rob Wahl

Anthony Hensley Nov 18, 2025

Former Senate colleague of Senator Kultala ,Topeka ,Kansas

Senator Kultala: My condolences for the loss of your lifelong partner, Dan. He was a great guy and wonderful father and grandfather. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. Anthony Hensley

Sara Dekovic Nov 18, 2025

Childhood friend ,Queen Creek ,Arizona

Kelly, How blessed you were to have Dan in your life and create your beautiful caring family! I am so sorry to hear this very sad news. My deepest and sincere condolences to you and your family. Love, Sara

Marsha (Read) Olinghouse Nov 18, 2025

Friend ,Ankeny ,Iowa

May the love of those around you and from the past, bring comfort during this time of sorrow.

Karen Keenan Nov 19, 2025

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Dan made people smile! He worked with my husband, Lane, for many years so I was lucky enough to get to know his family. I am sure he will be missed by many, but memories last forever!

Abby Nov 19, 2025

Niece ,West Plains ,Missouri

I'm so sorry I can't be with you all for the funeral. I wish so much that I could. I have only the best memories of Uncle Dan, and I still have the toy chest he made me when I was small. It holds all my favorite blankets and trinkets now. What I wouldn't give to hear his snicker one last time. I've been gone too long, and I'm sorry. I love you all and I will be there with you in spirit. Sing your hearts out.

Derek and Deb Swisher Nov 19, 2025

Friends ,Weatherby Lake ,Missouri

Kelly Taylor Whitney and Spenser and family…Our hearts are with your family as you celebrate a truly remarkable man. Dan fought such a courageous battle these past decades, and the strength, his love for you all and grace carried him through it all. We will always cherish the memories and moments shared over the years, they are gifts we will hold close forever. His legacy lives on in each of you. We are deeply sorry we cannot be at his celebration of life, as we will be out of town, but please know we are wrapping all of you in love from afar. Hugging you tightly during this difficult time.

Rich Culp Nov 19, 2025

Friend ,L:enexa ,Kansas

I retired after 48 years in the wholesale liquor business and had many bosses in my time but I must say Dan was the best boss I ever worked for and with, this is a true loss not only to has family but to the business family that he leaves behind I will truly miss him and the relationship developed outside the business he and I enjoyed the Far Side cartoons by Gary Larson and it always bought a smile to our faces. My prayers are to his family and friends alike I am honored to have know him as the best example of courage just being a great example to others. P.S. he made me more money in bonuses with his detail to business. Thanks BOSS you will be missed Rich Culp

Rod Crawford Nov 20, 2025

work colleague ,Kansas City ,Missouri

I worked with Dan for years. He was such a great guy. I loved how he took new reps under his wing and taught them the ropes. Our prayers and condolences to his family. He will be missed.

Sandy SCHLOTFELT Nov 20, 2025

Sister ,Ventura ,California

Missing Dan. Thankful his suffering has ended. Sending much love to Kelly and family.

Tracy Fred Nov 20, 2025

Friend

My heartfelt condolences to Whitney and the Kultala Family. I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Tracy Fred

Amy Benda Nov 20, 2025

Cousin ,Canton ,South Dakota

Kelly, Taylor, Whitney & Spenser, My heart goes out to you and your families as we mourn the loss of Dan. He was a great man (but you already know that) and a blessing to our family. He will be greatly missed by many. May God’s comfort and peace surround you during this difficult time, and may you find strength in His promise of eternal life. I am keeping your family in my prayers. Wish I could be there for the Celebration of Life. I'll be attending via livestream. Love you all!

Cathy Schneider Nov 20, 2025

Friend ,Kansas City ,Kansas

Kelly and Family: Today we just learned of Dan's passing and it is too late to attend the service. We remember Dan putting Christmas lights on the tall peaked roof on the house in KCK and his friendship and laughter. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. "Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen."

Sara McIntyre Nov 21, 2025

Although I only met Dan briefly it was obvious that he was loved by his family and a wonderful man. My heart goes out to his family.

David Hardwick Nov 25, 2025

co worker ,Nixa ,Missouri

I'm so sorry to hear of Dan's passing. I had the fortunate opportunity to work on some projects with Dan and he was always so pleasant and professional. I will forever remember and treasure the times and laughs we shared while working together. My thoughts and prayers to Dan's family.

Services

Event:
Visitation
Location:
Porter Funeral Home
Address:
1835 Minnesota Avenue
City:
Kansas City
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66102
Date:
Nov 20, 2025
Time:
10:00 AM
Google Map:
Event:
Celebration of Life
Location:
Porter Funeral Home
Address:
1835 Minnesota Avenue
City:
Kansas City
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66102
Date:
Nov 20, 2025
Time:
11:30 AM
Google Map: