Alan Edward Lerner

Alan Edward Lerner, age 86, of Lake Forest, IL passed away peacefully at home on March 21, 2023 from Lewy Body Dementia. He was in the loving company of his devoted wife Anne of 50 years, children Josh (Kelly) Lerner, Drew Lerner and Matt (Samantha) Lerner. His grandsons Elias, Paxton, Max and Hayes lovingly sat by his side for the days preceding his death. They watched the teams they were devoted to over the years, cheering on the mighty Wisconsin Badgers and the reruns of the Bears Super Bowl victory which was a cherished event. Their "Pops" was their friend, their pal and their idol, serving as an ideal role model as a husband, father and citizen. Alan was born in Chicago, Illinois and then attended West High School in Madison, Wisconsin, went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin and finished his education at Northwestern University Medical School, subsequently becoming a doctor practicing Psychiatry in the Chicago area. During that time Alan and several colleagues assisted Chuck Kramer in research of behavioral health which led to the establishment of the Family institute of Chicago, which later became the Family Institute at Northwestern University. In the late 1970's he decided to make a career change and became a McDonalds franchisee. This pivot would allow him to spend more time with Anne and their three boys. Alan was a great athlete at U of W, leading his fraternity, Pi Lambda Phi, to multiple football, basketball and softball championships. His love of sports continued, playing in multiple baseball exhibition games at US Cellular Field until he was in his 80's. All three boys followed in their dad's footsteps playing multiple sports. Alan and Anne were in the bleachers for almost every game of their son's playing careers. His grandchildren took over the calendar in ensuing years with Elias' herpetology, Paxton's football, hockey and baseball teams, and watching infinite episodes of Scooby Doo with Max and Hayes. They never stopped laughing when they were with each other, coming up with inside jokes and games that went on for hours. They often wrestled with Pops and usually won. He also valued the relationships and friendships he created over the years, including his Pi Lambda Phi fraternity, medical school and professional colleagues, Lake Forest Country Day School, Briarwood Country Club, Gorton Community Center, the Chicago White Sox, the Chicago Bears and the larger Lake Forest community. He served in the US Army in Korea, earned his black belt in Karate and loved playing golf (lowest handicap was a 6). He was a voracious reader and had an interest in computers early on. He wrote a computer program in the early 1980s which influenced inventory management at McDonald's. He and Anne also enjoyed traveling to Europe and Asia with friends and family. In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren, Alan also leaves behind his siblings Joyce Edison, Anne Kaplan, and Barbara Spectre; as well as many nieces and nephews. Alan will be remembered for the twinkle in his eye, his witty sense of humor and the love for his family. We will miss him. A Memorial Celebration will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 18, 2023 at the Gorton Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Alan's name may be made to the Gorton Center at https://gortoncenter.org/donations/ or Lake Forest Open Lands at http://www.lfola.org/annual-fund For more info – Reuland & Turnbough Funeral Directors of Lake Forest at (847) 234-9649 or www.RTfunerals.com.