Bernard Jaeger

Bernard Willmar Jaeger, age 94 of York, NE passed away Saturday, January 31, 2009 at York General Hearthstone in York. Bernard was born November 13, 1914 to Frederick Henry John and Lulu Grace (Hand) Jaeger on a farm west of York. He attended District 63 school north of York and graduated from York High School in 1932. He was converted March 13, 1938 by Rev. Hamilton and was baptized in the Blue River east of McCool Junction. He attended the United Brethren Church in McCool Junction and was a fifty-year plus member of the East Avenue Methodist Church in York at the time of its closing. He was past Superintendent of Sunday School and usher in McCool, served on Administrative Board, Trustees, Usher, and was a member of the Win Two Sunday School class in York.

Bernard served 4 ½ years in the Army during World War II in the 337th Combat Team of the 85th Infantry Division and in the 503rd Military Police Company activated for the protection of the Third Army Headquarters and General George Patton’s Headquarters from January 1944 to the war’s end.

On December 23, 1945 Bernard was united in marriage with Phyllis Maxine Graham at the United Brethren Church in McCool Junction. This marriage was blessed with three children. Bernard farmed and raised livestock his entire life in York County near Waco and York. Besides being active in church, he was a lifetime member of the VFW and an American Legion member. He was always thinking about inventions he could make. He designed and built his current home when he was in his 70’s, which he was very proud of and liked to tell everyone about. He especially enjoyed all family gatherings with his children, grandchildren, and most recently his great-grandchildren. He was really hoping to see his newest in person soon.

Survivors are his wife Phyllis of York, daughter and son-in-law Janet and Dennis Gerloff of Hastings, NE, son and daughter-in-law, Gerald and Cathy Jaeger of Benedict, NE, and son and daughter-in-law Royce and Linda Jaeger of York, grandchildren: Annette and Brian Seely of Omaha, NE, Andrea and Chad Frerichs of Hastings, Gabriel and Jaime Jaeger of Milligan, NE, great-grandchildren: Christian Ryan and Faith Ann Seely of Omaha, and Graham Dean Jaeger of Milligan, but currently remains in Children’s Hospital in Omaha. Niece Donna and Dan Fahrlander of Fort Collins, CO, nephew Lowell and Shirley Jaeger of Bradshaw, niece Karen and Tim Calabro of Omaha, numerous cousins and other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Frederick and Lulu Jaeger, step mother Josephine Jaeger, brothers Noah, Kenneth, Wendell, and Chester.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at the First United Methodist Church in York with the Reverends Jeff Wulf and Art Phillips officiating. Burial followed in the Vernon Cemetery, southeast of York. Memorials mat be directed to the family.