What is the precipitating factor, according to the narrator, that leads him to explore Bereyter's life story in depth?

The narrator begins exploring Bereyter's life story in depth after learning he's committed suicide. Bereyter was the narrator's favorite elementary school teacher. He wanted to know more about him, and he wanted to see if he could find out more about his death. Bereyter's obituary included that he'd been prevented from practicing his chosen profession during the Third Reich. It was these few words, that seemed to have nothing to do with anything else that peaked his curiosity.