We are deeply saddened to announce that Howard Berggren, class of ’54, passed away in his sleep on Sept. 1, 2017. Howie was an outstanding athlete at IWU, selected for all conference teams in both baseball and basketball. He played on the same teams as Bobby “Ace” Winkles, ’52 and Earl Neeman, ’53. He attended many IWU events trough the years and was co-chair of the 50th, 55th, and 60th alumni reunions with Jim Ridenour’54.
Howard is survived by his wife Penny, daughter Kathy Pollcita, Louisville, CO, son Mark, daughters Ashley and Erica Bunting in the Aurora, IL area.
Contributions can be made in memory of Howie at Scholarship Funds, Illinois Wesleyan University or by calling 1-800-689-9743.
Howie was not only an outstanding athlete but he was just an outstanding person. His sense of humor and his quick smile were qualities that Howie exemplified time after time during the years we were students at Wesleyan. His loyalty to our college will be greatly missed. My prayers are with his wife and family. You can be assured that “none knew him that didn’t respect him, none named him but to praise.”