Warren G. Hoger

On June 30, 2024, Warren G. Hoger, The Coach, received his Crown of Glory at the age of 94. Warren was born on January 7, 1930 on the southside of Chicago, home of the White Sox, for him, the only baseball team in town. Warren's dad, Herbert worked steadily for the CTA during the depression years, necessitating many moves, times were difficult but happy. While still quite young, Warren's mother Annie became wheelchair dependent and Warren's life changed dramatically. With his older sister Betty married, brother Howard in the Navy, and his mother home bound, Warren had lots of freedom which led to some questionable behavior. He credits the firm guidance of his sister in pulling him away from his rebellious ways. Warren attended two public elementary schools and two Lutheran schools: the first Lutheran school was Timothy, Chicago and the second St. Paul, Austin where he graduated and was confirmed.
Warren's love of history, particularly WWII, came about because his big brother Howard served in the Navy during the war. Warren vividly remembers his parents receiving news that Howard was missing in action. Those weeks before they heard that Howard was safe left an indelible mark. Warren never took for granted the sacrifice and service of veterans. Warren's most memorable job during the War Years while in 7th and 8th grade, was as an elevator operator at the Guyon Hotel in Chicago and in high school his part time jobs included being a conductor on the CTA "L" trains and working in the Cracker Jack factory. High school years at Luther Institute were spent on the football field, at track meets, or watching the Black Hawks. Warren and his friends would take the streetcar to the Hawks stadium and crank up the air raid siren purchased from the army surplus store - this being a signal to his mom listening to the game on the radio at home, that he had made it safely to the stadium.
Warren's high school coach and mentor, Ted Leitz, was instrumental in Warren's enrollment at Valparaiso University, where he completed a B.S. in physical education and a minor in history. While at Valpo he was a proud member of the Kappa Iota Pi fraternity. Upon graduation, Warren taught 1st and 2nd grade at St. Paul, Dorchester in Chicago, where his meticulous lesson plans were in shambles by mid morning. When Uncle Sam came calling, Warren was eager to leave elementary teaching behind. Warren proudly served in the Army. He often told us, "I was called, I served, I did my duty."
After being honorably discharged in 1956, Warren became a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Melrose Park and began a teaching and coaching career that spanned over 53 years. Forty years at Walther Lutheran High School, Melrose Park, IL, two years at Concordia, Chicago, and eleven years at Triton College, River Grove. He also spent eight years in semi-retirement as a guide for Educational Tours to Washington, D.C., where he was known to 'take over' for the assigned guide and add his insights and facts to the history tour. The Hoger crew cut and army boots were a distinctive sideline style of The Coach. With his classic poker face, the opposing teams never really knew how good the Coach's team would play on a given weekend, or who would run on that day's relay team. The Coach was innovative and competitive, and he felt the responsibility to teach players and students about character, ethics, sportsmanship, and personal behavior. But most importantly he wanted to be a witness of his faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior as tantamount to any future successes they may have. He understood that athletics was an unparalleled teaching tool. Warren was honored to receive recognition and accolades for his coaching and impact on others.
The Coach was inducted into the Illinois High School Track and Cross Country Coaches Hall of Fame in 1988. "In recognition for outstanding Service and Dedication to Track"
In 1992, he was inducted into the Nalley Track and Field Invitation Hall of Fame. "Teacher of coaches, builder of young men, Mainspring of unforgettable memories."
In 1994, The Coach was inducted into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame. "Warren G. Hoger is recognized for his ability to inspire his athletes to the highest in discipline and spirit. His professionalism has shown in his dedication to the game, school, and community."
In 2003, Warren received the Valparaiso University Alumni Achievement Award in recognition of personal and professional achievements.
In 2013, the Walther Lutheran High School Sower Award was presented to Warren for the many and various ways Warren shared his faith in Christ.
In 2014, through the support and vision of Jay Christopher, a former student athlete of the Coach, the Warren G. Hoger Track at Valparaiso University was dedicated.
In 2015, the Warren G. Hoger Track was dedicated in appreciation for the Coach's long-standing service to Walther Lutheran High School athletics.
Coach Hoger wrote these words "Teach them to use their God given abilities to the fullest. Teach them Christian responsibilities to their parents, classmates, and to themselves. Teach them to respect one another. Teach them how to win with dignity and lose with honor. You have them for a very short period of time in their lives, but you have a great opportunity to have a positive influence on their future. Remember, make them a better person, a better student, and then a better athlete. If you do these, you will always be a "Winning Coach."
Warren is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Anna Hoger, brother Howard, and sister Betty. He is survived by his beloved wife Joanne, daughter Deborah (Jim) Montgomery, son Mark (Jean) Hoger, cherished grandchildren Allison (Nathan) Devroy, Timothy (Jillian) Montgomery, Jamie (Phillip) Hanson, Christine Hoger, Aaron (Rita) Hoger, Kaylee (David) VanDeven, loving family Pat and John Jonas, Laura and Tim Tully, Josh, Josiah, Elizabeth, Abigail, and Anna Tully, John and Allison Jonas, Lexi, Anniston, and Brielle Jonas, Eric and Kerri Jonas, Jackson and Jaylee Jonas, John and Becky Pievitz, and his treasured great grand loves Ronald Devroy, Franklin Devroy, Cecelia Montgomery, Faye Hoger, and Reid Hanson.
Visitation Monday, July 8th, 3-8pm at Knollcrest Funeral Home, 1500 S. Meyers Rd, Lombard. In State Tuesday 10am until time of service at 11am at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1025 Lake St, Melrose Park, IL 60160. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you honor The Coach's legacy with a donation to one of the places dear to his heart. Walther Christian Academy of Melrose Park, IL, Valparaiso University Valpo Victory Fund-Athletics of Valparaiso, IN, or The National World War II Museum, of New Orleans, LA.