Eugene C. “Jupe” Jaeger

Eugene C. “Jupe” Jaeger, age 87, of Dubuque, Iowa, completed his earthly journey on October 20, 2021, at Ennoble Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation.  To honor Eugene’s life, a private family service is being held.  Burial will be in the St. Paul’s Cemetery in Worthington, Iowa.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Eugene’s family.

 

Eugene was born on December 8, 1933, in Worthington, Iowa, a son to Eugene John and Catherine Opal (LaPage) Jaeger.  He eventually made his way into the U.S. Air Force and worked as an air traffic controller until 1959.  Eugene had met his future wife, Ursula “Ulla” Metz, while he was still in the service, and the adoring couple was united in marriage in her hometown of Kaiserslautern, Germany.  They were blessed with 4 children, and 24 wonderful years together, before Ulla was sadly called home ahead of him in 1981.  Eugene had spent over 40 years of his working career as a truck driver and diesel mechanic after leaving the Air Force.  He primarily worked with Jack Link Truck Lines, but ventured into a few other positions before he had finally retired in 1996.  He was an honest man who worked diligently throughout his life, but having a little more free-time in his days was not going to be an issue.  Eugene was a proud member of the Dubuque County-Key City Genealogy Society for many years.  He helped countless people throughout the U.S. and Europe, and was even able to trace his own family tree back to over 65,000 known family members.  When he wasn’t chasing down his next lead, you could easily find Eugene catching up on some British comedies, The Twilight Zone, MASH, Andy Griffith, or even some curling competitions.  He was always just as content to get comfortable in his chair with a good book as well.  History and biographies were among his favorites, but a top tier crossword puzzle was always a welcome challenge too.  But, at the end of the day, family was where Eugene found his greatest joy.  “Grandpa Genius”, as Atticus would adoringly refer to him, was continually looking for any opportunity to share his time with those he loved.  Eugene had a heart that had plenty of room for everyone and his desire to be a positive force in the world around him never wavered.  It’s difficult to imagine a world without Jupe’s bright and brilliant personality running around in it, but we know that his health issues were beginning to take a greater toll than even he was not able to conquer.  We will miss him with all of our hearts, but will be forever grateful for every precious memory that he leaves behind.  Thank you, Eugene, for keeping life uncomplicated and down to earth whenever possible and may peace be yours until we all meet again.   

 

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Eugene include,

 

his 4 children,

Donald “Don” (Kristine) Jaeger, Huntley, Illinois,

Katherine “Katie” Jaeger, Lamont, Iowa,

Douglas “Doug” (Anne) Jaeger, Cape Coral, Florida,

and Kristine “Tina” Jaeger, Dubuque, Iowa;

 

his 5 grandchildren,

Nicole (Ira Taschler) Jaeger, Jesup, Iowa, and December, Brandon, Jasmine and Chelsea, all of Iowa;

 

his great-grandson,

Atticus Taschler, Jesup, Iowa;

 

his 2 brothers,

Ronald Jaeger, Dubuque, Iowa,

and Edward Jaeger, Hiawatha, Iowa;

 

his brother-in-law,

Klaus Metz, Kaiserslautern, Germany;

 

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

 

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Catherine (LaPage) Jaeger; his beautiful bride, Ursula “Ulla” (Metz) Jaeger; his brother, Charles (Eileen) Jaeger; his mother and father-in-law’s, Frederich and Katharina Metz; his sisters-in-law, Mary Jaeger and Margaret Jaeger; and a nephew, Bobby Harms.

 

Eugene’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Ennoble Manor, and Hospice of Dubuque, for all of their professional and compassionate care.  Your concern and sincerity truly helped to bring peace into his last days and we cannot thank you all enough for simply being you.

 

Online condolences may be shared with Eugene’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

 

To honor Eugene’s life, a private family service is being held.  Burial will be in the St. Paul’s Cemetery in Worthington, Iowa.

4 comments on “Eugene C. “Jupe” Jaeger
  1. Janaan and Joe Garcia says:

    Our heartfelt condolences to the entire Jaeger family on the loss of one so dear. May he rest in peace and may the lovely memories he leaves behind be a source of comfort to all.

  2. Dennis Jaeger says:

    Uncle Jupe was loved by everyone who met him. His quick wit and caring nature will be missed by all. Heartfelt condolences to everyone whose lives he touched.

  3. Gary Tegeler says:

    You all have my deepest sympathy and prayers. Jupe was a good man and I’ll remember him forever.

  4. Deonna says:

    Jupe was definitely a wonderful man with a big heart. I always thought the world of him. The Jaeger family was like a family to me. RIP Mr. Green Jeans.

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