BYRON ALFRED "BUZZ" DOERFFLER

1938 - 2023

BYRON "BUZZ" ALFRED DOERFFLER, 85, passed away Thursday, March 30, 2023, at Lutheran Life Villages at Pine Valley in Fort Wayne, Ind. Buzz was born March 4, 1938 in Fort Wayne, he was the son of the late Robert and Hilda (Koehlinger) Doerffler. Buzz graduated from Concordia Lutheran High School in 1956, earned his Bachelor's Degree from Valparaiso University in 1960 and his Master's Degree from Ball State University in 1963. He was a proud Veteran and served in the United States Air Force. Buzz began his Fort Wayne football coaching and teaching career as an assistant football coach at Central High School from 1964 to 1967 and then became head football coach from 1967 to 1970. He then became Northrop High School's first head football coach from 1970 to 1983. He then retired from his teaching career in 2000. Buzz's most cherished honors were being inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 2001 and Concordia Lutheran High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011. Faith, family, friends and football was his motto. His strong faith was the cornerstone of his many accomplishments. His German roots gave him a legacy of devotion to his family. During his time as part of the extensive Fort Wayne athletic community, he touched the lives of many people. His larger than life, yet humble personality made him a man who believed that every day is an opportunity to improve and become better and every day is a new opportunity to make an impact on someone's life. Buzz is survived by his sons, Kent Doerffler and Brent (Kelly) Doerffler, both of Fort Wayne; brothers, Dean (Barb) Doerffler and Dale (Bonnie) Doerffler, both of Fort Wayne; seven grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, JaneAnn (Thomas) Doerffler. Funeral service is 11 a.m. Thursday, April 13, 2023, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1126 Barr St., Fort Wayne, with calling one hour prior. Calling also from 2 to 5 and 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at D.O. McComb & Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home, 1320 E. Dupont Road, Fort Wayne. Burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne. Memorials may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1126 Barr St., Fort Wayne, IN 46802; or the "Buzz Doerffler Northrop Football Scholarship", c/o F.W.C.S. Fiscal Affairs, 1200 S. Clinton St., Fort Wayne, IN 46802. "Our family would like to express our sincere thank you to the staff at Lutheran Life Villages at Pine Valley for their love and care for Buzz." To sign the online guestbook, visit www.mccombandsons.com