obit template2018-11-29T12:10:12+00:00

Richard A
Jaeger

The year 1925 was an exciting time in our nation’s history. The flapper and the Roaring 20s redefined the culture of America while the entertainment industry was beginning to explode. Legendary baseball players set astounding records on the ball fields, and Walter P. Chrysler founded his auto firm during a booming U.S. economy. A most welcome event in the lives of Arthur and Lillian (Casda) Jaeger of Milwaukee, Wisconsin took place on October 29, 1925 when they welcomed the birth of their baby boy, Richard into their loving arms.

Young Richard attended the local schools. Following high school, he went on to college for a year before accepting the call to duty. Having served during World War II, Richard was a Veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corp. In time, he married and supported his family with his work as a carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. Although his marriage came to an end, Richard was blessed with four wonderful children, Connie, Susan, David and Linda.

Eventually retiring from the Postal Service after 37 years of dedicated service, Richard remained in the Milwaukee County area for 75 years. Love once again captured his heart when he met Leona Pabich. Richard and Leona shared much and thoroughly enjoyed one another’s company. At the age of 66, Richard became Leona’s husband on November 14, 1991, the second marriage for each of them. It was a most difficult time for Richard when his beloved Leona died on September 18, 2004. In time Richard moved to nearby Lomira, Wisconsin where he lived for the last nine years of his life.

At the age of 84 years, Richard died on Friday, February 26, 2010 at the Liberty House in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. He was the dear father of Connie (John) Zabrowski, Susan Shulman, David Jaeger and the late Linda Schnepp. A loving grandfather to Ashley and John Zabrowski III, Mark and Lauren Shulman and Corrie Schnepp. Fond great-grandfather of Luke, Noah and Jack Zabrowski, and a dear brother to Robert Jaeger. He is also survived by other relatives and friends.

Visit with Richard’s family on Sunday, February 28, 2010 at the Suminski Family Life Story Funeral Home from 1:00 PM until time of the service at 3:00 PM. Private interment to take place at the Southern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, Wisconsin. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a favorite memory of Richard and to sign his online guest book. Suminski Family life Story Funeral Home – 2486 S. Kinnickinnic Avenue, 414-744-5156.

Past Comments

corrie schnepp

grandpa is without pain and in a better place. he is with my mom and grandma ruth.

Alissa Norberg (Todryk)

Grandpa has lived his life to the fullest and knew it was his time to be with my Grandma Leona. He even mentioned a few weeks ago when I was with him that he would be playing with his trains. I know he is resting peacefully and pain free which is why I am at ease that he is gone because I didn’t like seeing him suffer.

Brother Bob

Do you remember the time I convinced you the imaginary Easter bunny was outside? He really wasn’t there.

Do you remember when we used to shoot pheasants in the backyard? Or race our cars?

You had some badluck, but you smiled through everything.

Joseph Kapustanczek

This is not very easy to do. My mon Leona met Richard a couple of years after my father died. They both loved to go dancing and were very happy together. One condition my mom made to Richard was he had to stop smoking if he wanted to spend time with her. He crushed the pack of cigarettes he had with him and never smoked again. Richard did everything he could to make my mother happy. They traveled the country together for years. They always came back with great stories and fantastic photos of the places they visited. Richard included my sisters and brothers to his family as if we were his own. He shared all of our good times and our losses. He was a fantastic Grandfather to my sons and always had some little toy or gift for the boys whenever we visited him. I don’t know if he knew how much he meant to me and I never thought it was work to do things for him. I pray he has peace.

John Zabrowski

In thinking of all the years and memories of my Grandpa Jaeger, there are so many, but as I think about it, there are never enough. In his life, he made an effort to teach me about being patient, calm and mild mannered. He showed me the fun of a good hobby or an pleasant afternoon with family and friends. After time away from Wisconsin, after moving south, the times shared waned and I wish we had the opportunity to have had more memories, more days and more laughs.

As a child, I recall playing at his home, running the streets of his neighborhood and leaving with a smile on my face. I can always recall the way he said my nickname — “Jay”. That will never leave my mind. I can recall how great his hugs always made me feel. I wish I had more. He was always ready with a laugh, smile or good word. Grandpa was an awesome man.

As an adult, I have 2 strong memories, the first being his attending my wedding. How amazing it was that he made it to the big event. I enjoyed some quiet moments and laughs. He may have been a bit older than when I was a child, but he never lost that spark for mischief, a good laugh or to be a guy you could count on and want to try to be like. I was able to share my first born child with him, to this date, those pictures are treasured by my children, seeing Grandpa hold his great grandson at such a tender age is amazing. My last memories of Grandpa include making the drive to Wisconsin to fulfill a promise that he would meet my children. I made it to see Grandpa and was able to bring my kids into his room. While he couldn’t directly interact, I know he knows they were there. He even gave a few of his laughs. Later that night when I said my last goodbye to him he was strong as ever, brave as ever.

Grandpa Jaeger was truly an extraordinary man and he is missed dearly today and will be for all years and time to come.

We miss you dearly….

Jay

Alissa Norberg (Todryk)

Grandpa you will be truly missed so much by your grandchildren from the Kapustanczek side. When Ryan and I were at your house recently with mom (Kathy Todryk) and our significant others Carmen and Matt, we were looking through old photo albums and saw so many memories especially at your duplex in West Allis. I remember when I was little being in the big conversion van and how you would have me wear a pillow on my head because of how high you bounced in the back. Then I remember staying overnight so many times and everything we would do together with Grandma. Within the last few years you would always bring up things I said or did when I was little and I loved that you remembered so much. I am so glad we had so many good times together and those will always be remembered.

Alissa Norberg (Todryk)

Grandpa you will also be missed by many great grandchildren from the Kapustasnczek side. Ayden knows you as Great Grandpa when I show him pictures of you.

Pam Chandrl

My deepest sympathy to Connie, John, Ashley, Jay, Lea, Jack, Luke & Noah for the lost of your dad, grandpa and great grandpa. My sympathy also to Sue on the loss of your dad. Connie is my best friend and I know she loved her dad and has been very worried about him. It is very difficult to lose a father – please know that you are in my prayers and I wish I could be their with you. I pray that your dad rest in peace. May all of you feel God’s love during this very difficult time. Give each other lots of hugs, remember the good times. Your dad will always be in your heart.

Love & God’s blessings,

Pam

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