Gary Jaeger

Gary Jaeger

Jan. 31, 1944 - March 25, 2013

BENKELMAN, Nebraska -- Gary Jaeger was born Jan. 31, 1944, to Samuel and Lola (Nedrow) Jaeger on the farm in Chase County, Nebraska. He had three brothers, Keith, Bill and Bob, and two sisters, Jeniece and Brenda. Gary went to school in Imperial and graduated from Chase County High School in 1962. He worked a year and then enlisted in the United States Army in 1963 and served until 1966. Gary was in Vietnam for eight months and Korea for 13 months. He was the commander for the V.F.W for several years.

On Aug. 24, 1964, Gary married Beverly Welch and to this union a son, Mike, was born. Gary worked at the Imperial Coop and Harris Construction for a number of years. In 1972 he attended the Carpentry Program at the Vo-Tech School in Goodland, Kansas, finishing the two-year program in one year.

On July 5, 1973, Gary married LaVonne Smith and they settled in Haigler, Nebraska. They had two children, son Sam and a daughter Crystal. In September of 1973, he started Gary's IGA and later purchased the Women's Club Library building and started Sam's Place until it sold in 1975. Gary also carried the Haigler HC67 contract mail for 23 years. He was instrumental in putting on the Haigler 4th of July Celebration for many years.

Gary loved the outdoors, he especially enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also loved spending time and following his six grandchildren.

Gary passed away Monday evening, March 25, 2013, at the Dundy County Hospital, Benkelman, Nebraska. He was 69 years of age.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Lola Jaeger; sister, Jeniece Cady and husband, Clifford; sister-in-law, Marcheta Jaeger; and nephew, Randy Jaeger.

Survivors include sons, Mike Jaeger and wife, Joeanna of Parker, Colorado, Sam Jaeger and wife, Shiuvaun of Cambridge, Nebraska; daughter, Crystal Daniels of Benkelman, Nebraska and six grandchildren, Alissa Jaeger, Mattie Daniels, Jaylee Daniels, Miranda, Shelby and Michael Jaeger.

Memorial services for Gary will be Tuesday, April 2, 2013, 11 a.m. (MT), at the United Methodist Church of Haigler, Nebraska, with Pastor Carole Coates officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Haigler Cemetery.

No visitation, Gary chose cremation.

A memorial has been established in Gary's memory.

Forch Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.