Ken Biermann, a teacher/coach to thousands, a mentor to many, a family member who was cherished and a friend to all, died January 5, 2023 in Glendale, CA from complications of COVID.
He was born October 30, 1940, along with his twin sister, Judy, in Los Angeles, California to parents Evelyn and George Biermann. Ken was raised and lived in the Los Angeles area all of his life. He attended George Washington High School where he excelled in sports. He graduated from Cal State Los Angeles and began a career in education that would span over 40 years. His first teaching job was at Burroughs High School as a P.E. teacher and assistant football coach and that is where he met the love of his life, Patricia Elliott. They were married on June 21, 1968, and along with Pat’s two sons from a previous marriage they began a life together of love, friendship and togetherness.
“Young People,” as Ken loved to call them, were an important part of his life. His employment journey started at Burroughs High School and he was at Crescenta Valley High School from 1968 to 1995 where his core values made a positive impact on students. At CV he was a teacher, coach, athletic director and principal. Ken finished his career in Student Services at the Glendale Unified School District office. After retirement, Ken still was extremely active in the community and could often be seen at many of CV’s school activities. He was active in the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce, the C.V. Athletic Hall of Fame, a founding member of CV CAN along with many different community organizations. Giving back to society is one of the things that drove him and it made the Crescenta Valley a better place.
Ken loved to travel with his wife Pat and they had many beautiful adventures with their family and friends. Friendships were a big part of his life and he cherished his friends as much as they cherished him. His other passion was golf and he enjoyed his beloved Chevy Chase Country Club, both on the course and in the clubhouse.
Ken is survived by his beloved twin sister Judy, his son Greg Sprowls and wife Claire, and son Jeff Sprowls and his wife Stacie. He is also survived by grandchildren Erin, Julia, Alivia and Jayden along with many nieces and nephews. Ken was preceded in death by the love of his life Pat in 2016 and it is great comfort to the family to know that they are together again.
Ken had the ability to make everyone feel special, feel heard, feel validated, feel seen. He was generous, kind, understanding, patient, and wise. He lived his life with purpose and passion. He loved this community and everyone in it. Ken made an impact on countless lives. La Crescenta will not be the same without him. He will be terribly missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, January 22, at noon at the Crescenta Valley High School Auditorium. In lieu of flowers, a scholarship is being set up in his honor. Donations can be sent to: Community Foundation of the Verdugos at 111 East Broadway, Suite #200, Glendale, CA 91205. Checks payable to the same with “Ken Biermann Memorial Scholarship” in the memo section.
