Lowell Berger

Lowell (Bud) Berger 8/15/1925 - 11/04/2023, beloved father and former teacher and coach, peacefully passed away on November 4, 2023. He lived a great life of 98 years, and his legacy will continue to inspire and impact the lives of those he touched.

He was born August 15, 1925 in Salena, Ohio. He was the son of a minister and grew up in Mishawaka Indiana, the youngest of 4 boys.

North Central College in Naperville, Illinois had an immense impact on his life. While attending, he met the love of his life, Lois Stauffer. They were married in 1949 and three beautiful children followed. The family lived in Naperville where Bud began a teaching and coaching career at Naperville Central H.S. In 1960 he continued his education with a Masters Degree from Northern Illinois University. During his career at Naperville Central, his Track team won 13 consecutive conference championships and placed many individuals at the state meet. Bud also introduced the sport of Cross Country to NCHS and amassed a record of 140-17 in dual meets, nine consecutive conference titles and a 2nd place state finish in 1966. Bud was inducted into the Illinois Track and Cross Country Hall of Fame in 1985 as well as inducted into the first Naperville Central Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013. He was also very proud of his award from his alma mater, North Central College; "The Outstanding Alumnus Award" in 1988.

After 35 years of teaching and coaching, Bud and Lois retired and moved to Plymouth, IN. They spent many years as halftime "snowbirds", until eventually moving to Ft. Myers, FL full time. Bud and Lois had an active social life which enriched and extended their lives. Bud's sense of humor put him in demand to MC frequent community events.

Bud was always active in the church where he was committed to serving the Lord. The Lord called him home November 4th, 2023. He was deeply loved by his family and friends, who admired his enthusiasm for life, his winning spirit, and his tenacity to live life to the fullest.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois after almost 70 years of marriage. Bud leaves behind his three children: Sara (George) Green, Littleton, CO, Steve (Kathy) Berger, Indianapolis, IN, Sally (Keith) Reschke, Naperville, IL. He marveled not only about his career successes, but the legacy that he and Lois left behind: 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Donations in Lowell Berger's memory may be made to North Central College athletics department.