John Jaeger

John was born on March 10, 1936, in Escanaba, the son of Peter and Rose (Steinmetz) Jaeger. He was raised in Escanaba and graduated from Escanaba High School with the Class of 1954. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1954 until his honorable discharge in 1956.

On September 6, 1958, John married the former Maxine Sheedlo at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Escanaba. Over the course of 67 years, Maxine became his beloved wife, his sweetheart, and his constant companion. Together, they built a life rooted in family, faith, and hard work. They raised five children and created a home where children and grandchildren remained the center of everything.

John developed a strong work ethic early in life. In his younger years, he and his brother Ronald sold Christmas trees in Chicago, a demanding seasonal effort that always ended with them returning home in time for Christmas Eve. He served with the Escanaba Police Department for two years before he and Ronald carried forward the family business as Jaeger Brothers Construction.

Through their work, John and Ron helped shape many projects throughout the Upper Peninsula, including Lake Bluff Country Club and the surrounding residential community. Their partnership reflected not only a shared business, but also a deep brotherly bond built on trust, loyalty, and years of working side by side. John and Ron operated Jaeger Brothers Construction until retirement. John also co-owned and operated Northern Marine & Sports Villa from 1975 through the 1980s, where they sold Yamaha motorcycles, snowmobiles, and Silverline boats.

John remained deeply connected to his faith and community throughout his life. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Escanaba Elks Lodge, the Chamber of Commerce, and the International Union of Operating Engineers, where he celebrated 50 years of membership. He also served as president of the Jaycees and the Exchange Club. John enjoyed snowmobiling with his friends as a member of the Tuesday Night Ruff Riders and was a proud member of the Escanaba and Terrace Bluff Country Clubs.

In retirement, John and Maxine enjoyed traveling around North America in their motorhome, often to visit their children, and spending their winter months in Palmetto, Florida, where they were surrounded by dear friends and family. Above all, John was devoted to his children and absolutely adored his grandchildren. He was present for

the moments that mattered — birthdays, graduations, sporting events, theater productions, and countless family gatherings — not out of obligation, but out of deep and genuine love. John always said, “If I had known how great my grandchildren would be, I would’ve had them first!”

John had a lasting impact on the people he loved. He offered his family steadiness, encouragement, laughter, and a sense of belonging. His presence was constant and deeply felt, whether he was cheering from the audience or sidelines, spending time with family at the lake, pool, or amusement park, or simply showing up when it mattered most. His greatest pride was always his family, and those who loved him will carry forward the example he set through his devotion, dependability, sense of humor, and love.

John is survived by his devoted wife, Maxine; his children, Julie (Kurt) Miller of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, John (Stephanie) Jaeger of Des Moines, Iowa, Jeanne Richards of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, Jane (Terry) Fruth of Freeport, Illinois, and Jennifer Wasilew (Joel Postma) of Ada, Michigan; his cherished grandchildren, Ryan Rossi, Kyle Rossi, Tony Rossi, Johnny Jaeger, Jared Jaeger, Jillian Jaeger, John Tyler Richards, Coulson Richards, Katharine Richards, Lauren Fruth, Morgan Wasilew, Madeline Wasilew, and Maximus Wasilew;

four beloved great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Verna Jaeger; and many dear nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Rose Jaeger; his sister, Joanne Latva; his brother, Ronald Jaeger; his son-in-law, Brian Wasilew; and his brother-in-law, Howie Latva.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Delta County Veterans Services will conduct military honors at 3:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 4:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with Father Timothy Ferguson officiating. A reception will be held afterward at the Escanaba Country Club. A private burial will take place at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to The John and Maxine Jaeger Scholarship Fund at Bay de Noc Community College in John’s memory.

The Anderson Funeral Home is assisting the Jaeger family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.