Kenneth A. Jaeger

Ken Jaeger passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025, the morning following his 84th birthday, after a mounting number of health issues.  We rejoice that God has called him to his eternal home.

Kenneth Alvin Jaeger was born on August 22, 1941, the eldest of three sons raised by Alvin and Ruth Jaeger.  He was baptized and confirmed at Emmanuel Lutheran Church and grew up in New London, Wisconsin.  He was a 1959 graduate of New London High School, and later received an Associate Degree from Appleton School of Business.  On August 24, 1963, he married Ruth Ann Kroening, and together they raised four sons.  Ken had a long and interesting career path: he sold fine men’s clothing beginning at Lercher’s (New London) at age 16, then at H.C. Prange (Appleton), Johnson Hills (Oshkosh), became store manager at Zimmerman’s (Oshkosh), and then managed Morton’s for Men (Fond du Lac).  He sold hearing aids for a time, sales for Ad-Vantage Corp, mailing equipment for Pitney-Bowes, men’s outerwear sales for London Fog, went back to selling fine men’s clothing as manager of Bill Paul Ltd (Appleton) until its closing, and then worked part-time at Bill Paul Ltd (Neenah) until 2024.

Ken is survived by his sons: Jeffrey (Michelle) and Barry (Lynnette); daughter-in-law, Dawn Anderson; grand-daughter, Olivia; grandson, Maxx; brothers: Darryl (Diane) and Steve (Ruthann); and sister-in-law, Kay (Ron) Hinkens.  He is preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; sons: Paul and Bryan; grandson, Dorian; and sister-in-law, Rosemary Kroening.

He lived his Christian faith as a member of Mount Olive Lutheran Church (WELS) for 45 years where he ushered and served on various committees.  He also supported Time of Grace and often attended church services at The Core in Appleton.

Ken enjoyed baseball, golf, bowling, tennis, singing with rock ’n’ roll bands, koalas, class reunions, following the Packers and Brewers, television and newspaper in his comfy chair, and always loved good coffee and cherry desserts.  He also cherished the numerous friendships made over many years.  He was a HUGE Elvis Presley fan, and liked listening to Gene Vincent, Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash, Link Wray, and Norah Jones as well.  In his retirement years, Ken spent much of his time working in the yard, lounging on his patio, making memories with family and friends, and serving in church.  He also had a very special place in his heart for his cat, Ollie.

A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, September 22, 2025 at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 930 E. Florida Ave, Appleton. Visitation will be held at church on Monday from 9:00 am until the time of service.

The Jaeger family thanks the staff members at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton, Frontida of Kimberly, and St. Paul’s Elder Care for their loving care of Ken in his time of need.

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