Karen Jane Jaeger

Karen Jane Jaeger, age 79, of Merrill, passed away at her home on Monday, August 19, 2024, with her loving family by her side and under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services. She was born on October 4, 1944 to the late Edwin and Dorothy (Marquardt) Schultz in Marshfield, WI. Karen met the love of her life and soul mate, Alan Jaeger, and the two were united in marriage on February 9, 1990 in Merrill, a loving and adventure-filled union lasting 34 years. He survives.

Karen worked in the banking industry for most of her adult life, most recently as a teller at M&I Bank in Merrill, until her retirement. She loved traveling, and went so many places with friends and family, including Alaska, Hawaii, Africa, The Bahamas and 19 fishing trips to Canada! Karen was an outdoors woman and loved working in her gardens, fishing, deer hunting or just relaxing by the river at their home. In her younger years, Karen and Alan would go polka dancing and attend a party or two. She also enjoyed bird watching, playing solitaire, cribbage and working in her cross-word books. Karen was an avid reader and looked forward to a good book. She is remembered by family as a loving and caring woman, that was a wonderful wife, adored her bonus children and grandchildren, and was an honest and trustworthy person. Karen will be sadly missed, but the memories will remain.

Karen is survived by her husband: Alan Jaeger of Merrill, bonus daughters: Jeannie (Eric) Lokemoen of Merrill and Debi (Jeff) Bonnell of Merrill, bonus son: Daniel (Christina) Jaeger of Merrill, bonus grandchildren and great grandchildren, sisters: Judy Howard of Sun Valley, CA, Gerry (Wayne) Faude of Meridian, ID, twin sister: Carol Meier of South Dakota, Dolly Faulkner of Bethel, AK, Eileen (Bruce) Krenz of Athens, WI and June (Jim) Gempler of Meridian, ID, brother: Ed (Doreen) Schultz of Athens, WI, sister-in-law and good friend: Pam Kufahl, along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents: Edwin and Dorothy Schultz, father-in-law and mother-in-law: Alfred and Helen Jaeger, brothers-in-law: Nick Howard, Albert Meier and Harry Faulkner, as well as her baby doggie: “Bingo”.

A Celebration of Life for Karen will be held at a later date. 

Family requests that donations in Karen’s name be sent to either the Lincoln County Humane Society or Wags of Wisconsin, as she had a deep love for animals and animals in need.

Karen’s family would also like to extend appreciation to Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services for their care and support, shown to both Karen and her family during her last days.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.