Louis Emanuel Jerman Jr, a revered youth football coach and devoted family man, built an extraordinary legacy spanning nearly seven decades in sports and community service.
Highlights
- Louis Emanuel Jerman Jr. was a foundational figure in the Naperville Saints Football program, and his values continue to shape the organization.
- Jerman was known for his diverse interests, including fishing, travel, and his beloved 1961 red Ford Galaxie 500 convertible, which held sentimental value among his college friends.
- Jerman is survived by a large and loving family, and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Naperville Saints Football to continue his commitment to youth sports.
His remarkable journey began in Cleveland, Ohio, where he was born on March 6, 1933, to Louis and Anna Jerman.
Jerman’s athletic prowess emerged early in his life, excelling in baseball and track. However, football became his true calling.
His gridiron journey started with the Orrville Moose Club football team, where he showcased his talents as a running back.
His exceptional skills earned him a football scholarship to John Carroll University after his stellar performance at St. Ignatius High School.
Following his college years, Jerman served in the U.S. Army as a radio specialist in Germany.
He later settled in Chicago, where he spent 59 years working in packaging machinery sales.
His academic pursuits included an MBA from Loyola University Chicago, complementing his undergraduate degree from John Carroll University.
Jerman’s most significant impact came through his 45-year coaching career with the St. Raphael football program in Naperville, Illinois, which he helped establish.
His dedication to positive coaching and emphasis on football fundamentals earned him induction into the U.S. Youth Football Coaching Hall of Fame in 2010.
His coaching philosophy and achievements were chronicled in the memoir “More than a Game,” written by his coaching partner Jim Brown.
Honoring the Life and Death of Louis Jerman, a Football Legend and Mentor
On February 12, 2025, Louis Emanuel Jerman Jr. peacefully passed away at the age of 91.
His death prompted an outpouring of tributes, particularly from the Naperville Saints Football organization, which he helped shape into a respected program.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, the Naperville Saints Football program honored their founding coach:
“It is with heavy hearts that we inform you of the loss of a true legend.”
The post emphasized how Jerman’s core values continue to influence their program, noting that,
“his passion lives in each player that puts on our uniform and his kindness remains the benchmark of our success.”
Facebook)
Beyond his coaching legacy, Jerman was known for his diverse interests, including fishing, travel, and cars.
He took particular pride in his 1961 red Ford Galaxie 500 convertible, which became legendary among his college friends.
He maintained lifelong friendships across all phases of his life, earning respect and admiration from countless individuals.
Jerman is survived by his partner of 33 years, Nancy Murphy, six children, eleven grandchildren, and an extended family including nieces, grandnephews, and grandnieces.
He was preceded in death by his sisters Bernice and Patricia Bader Miranda.
A private burial service will be held at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Evergreen Park, Illinois.
Honoring his dedication to youth football, his family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Naperville Saints Football at napervillesaints.org.
Demeros Funeral and Cremation Services is handling the arrangements.
Additional Information
- When reflecting on his life, Louis himself stated that his decade of playing football was the most thrilling period of his entire life.
- His impressive educational journey began in Cleveland at St. Ignatius High School, where he first made his mark as an athlete before advancing to higher education.
