Russell Michael Jaeger, age 44, of Escanaba, passed away due to complications of a heart attack, Friday evening June 15, 2018, at St. Francis Hospital.
Russ was born on April 14, 1974, in Escanaba, the son of Richard Jr and Janice (Bolm) Jaeger. He grew up in Ford River on the Jaeger Mink Ranch and attended the Ford River Elementary School. During his teenage years, Russ was a loyal and active supporter of Escanaba Eskymo Sports. He volunteered many hours of his time assisting with Eskymo Football and Basketball and has always been a longstanding team member. Russ was proud to receive the distinguished Eskymo “E” for his hard work and commitment to the teams. Even though Russ graduated in 1994, his love of Escanaba Sports continued throughout his life.
Following high school, Russ went to work at Hereford & Hops Restaurant for approximately 10 years before accepting a maintenance position at the Island Resort and Casino where he has been employed since.
Russ was a member of the Salem Lutheran Church in Bark River. He served in several capacities at Salem including church council and mission council.
Russ was an extremely sociable, loving and caring man. He enjoyed history and studying the family genealogy. Russ loved and welcomed new experiences, and rarely turned down the chance to travel. He was a friend to all (especially cats) and made many along the way. To say you knew Russell Jaeger meant you were his friend. He will be sadly missed.
In addition to his mother Janice, Russ is survived by:
Brothers: Doug Jaeger
Kevin (Nancy) Jaeger
Donald (Kristi) Jaeger
Sisters: Connie (Dave) Penoza
Nancy (Mark) Forster
Jayne (Chris) Braverman
Also surviving are aunts, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, cousins and friends.
Russ was preceded in death by his father, Richard Jaeger Jr.
Maternal Grandparents: Elmer and Marion Bolm
Paternal Grandparents: Richard Sr. and Adeline Jaeger
Russ’ family will receive friends on Friday June 22, 2018, from 3:00PM to 4:30PM, at the Salem Lutheran Church in Bark River. Funeral services will follow visiting hours on Friday, at 4:30PM, at Salem Lutheran Church in Bark River, with Pastor Hans Tolpingrud officiating. Luncheon will follow in the Salem Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. Russ will be laid to rest in the West Ford River Cemetery. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements.
Mary Robinson - Escanaba, MI
I remember Russell from school. He was a good person. 🙁 Condolences to family.
Kay Gagne - escanaba, Mi
My deepest sympathy to your family. So sorry to hear this news. Kay Gagne
Laura Dittrich - Bark River, MI
Russ was a true friend to all who knew him. He loved going out with his friends and family. He always made sure that the veteran’s graves at the Ford River cemetery had their flags. He will be greatly missed. Hugs to all of his family.
Melissa Carpenter - Gladstone, MI
A shock to say the least. A blessed soul whom God shall adore. Pray that your family can find strength to bear this separation. Many memories, you shall be missed and remembered always. God Bless
Nora & Brian - Escanaba, MI
Russ was one of the kindest people we have ever met. You will always have a special place in our hearts buddy. We are praying for all of your loved ones.
Danica Kobasic Stanciu - Washington, DC
We are saddened to learn of Russell’s passing. He was a source of light and kindness, and he will be missed.
Tracy Meshigaud - Escabana , Mi
This man was one of a kind, the best of the best! No words to describe him! My best friend, my rock, my sidekick! We had some great times, memories that I will forever cherish!!! Love ya Russ, I will miss u for the rest of my life. My heart goes out to his family and everyone else that was lucky enough to know him!
Mary and Paul Kangas - Escanaba , Mi
So sorry to hear about Russ, we always talked out at the casino when he was working. He loved the Eskymos and talked about it all the time. Prayers go out to his family
Melissa Gigowski - Escanaba, Mi
Russ was a great person, fun, out going, very kind, happy an there for everyone who needed a friend. He will be greatly missed by all of us. Condolences to his family
karen Azbell - Rock , Mi
Russ, I am going to miss seeing you in town and getting my big hug and our little chats.. You were a great guy and i was always happy to see you…You will be greatly missed.. When you run into shelly up there, please give her a big hug and tell her that mom missess and loves her…… My condolences to your family…Russ was a great guy……..
Dan & Laura Copeland - Menominee, MI
Our sympathy to the Jaeger family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
carol and beth - escanaba, MI
He was such a good friend to Beth and after all of these years since Lemmer school, he always asked about her when we talked. I’ll miss seeing you at Meijers!!
John & Mary Hupy - Escanaba, MI
thoughts and prayers to the Jaeger family… enjoyed our many gatherings on holidays… and family cookouts.. you will be greatly missed..
Beth - Chandlee, AZ
I am so saddened by the loss of Russ. He was just a kind, sweet soul who wanted nothing more to show kindness and have kindness returned. I have fond memories of him going back to elementary school and I will hold those dear to my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Leslie Gilbertson (Palmgren) - Royal Oak, MI
I remember him when he was little in Sunday school always bouncing around – a happy go lucky kid. All the happy memories you shared with Russ will help you through this very difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family.
Ann Streichert - Escanaba, MI
Dear Janice and Family,
So sorry for your loss.
Remembering Russell, he was always ready to visit when I would see him any where.
He was a good man. May his many memories bring you comfort as the days continue to move forward.
God Bless you and your families.
Hugs to all
Ann Streichert
Lynn Sattem - Bark River(Ford River), Mi
My sympathy to the Jaeger family…Russ was always so friendly whenever I saw him. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rest in Peace Russ!
Sue Malenfant - Gladstone, Mi
Prayers for family. He was a great guy
Jim LeMire - Janesville, Wi
Very sad to hear of Russ’s passing. Thoughts and Prayers to the Jaeger family during this very tough time. RIP Russell.
Jim and Lois Boydston - Escanaba , Mi
Our deepest condolences to Janice and the family
We have many good memories with mink ranch days
Russ was always so friendly whenever we went to Herford and Hops. Always met us with a big smile
Kiki Kutchmarek - Kingsford, MI
I’m sorry to hear that Russ has passed. We as a class, your family and our community have lost a light of inspiration. Russ was always filled with kindness and happiness to share. He will be missed, Rest In Peace friend!
Mike and Betty collins - Carmichael, Ca
We didn’t know RUss but are neighbors of his brother Kevin(NAncy and Sofia). Heard many nice things about Russ. Our heartfelt condolences to the family.