John Siegal, oldest former Bear, dies at 97

John Siegal, the oldest living former Bears player, died this week at age 97, the team said Wednesday.

A three-time Pro Bowler, Siegal played for three Chicago title teams — in 1940, 1941 and 1943 — after playing alongside quarterback Sid Luckman at Cornell. He caught six career touchdowns in his five seasons as a pro.

He served in the Navy during World War II before becoming a full-time dentist. As part of his Bears contract, he attended dental school at Northwestern while playing for the pro team.

He had four great-grandchildren, three grandchildren and three children, according to a team release. His wife of 68 years, Emily Ann Klimkevich, died in 2009.