Edward L. Jaerger

Edward Leon Jaerger, known affectionately as Ed or Leon, passed away on July 5, 2024, at the age of 90 in Fort Collins, Colorado. Born on December 21, 1933, in Council Grove, Kansas, he led a fulfilling life marked by a deep love for his family, a passion for the outdoors, and a distinguished career in engineering.

Ed attended 7 different small country schools around the Council Groove area in Kansas. The family then moved to Buckeye Colorado where Ed graduated from Waverly High School at age 16. Ed then attended Colorado State University for 2 years before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering later from Wichita State University. His professional career consisted of working at Beech Aircraft in engineering for 8 years then finishing his career at Cessna Aircraft, where he worked for 35 years in different engineering leadership positions. His expertise also contributed to national defense during the Vietnam War, where he was picked as one of four employees from Cessna to go to Viet Nam to replace the wing spar caps on the Air Force's A-37A aircraft which was literally the backbone of the Third Tactical Fighter Wings at Bien Hoa Air Force Base.

A man of many interests with a competitive nature, Ed was an avid boater, motorcyclist, loved NASCAR, RVing in the 5th wheel and motorhome and became an airplane pilot flying one of his favorite airplanes, the Cessna 210. He cherished taking rides in the country and exploring the mountains, activities that reflected his love for nature, especially trees, including his favorite, the blue spruce tree. His commitment to his family was profound; his first priority was being a husband to the love of his life JoAnn Blehm Jaerger. Being married for 69 years they shared and created many wonderful memories. He was a supportive father who encouraged his daughters to pursue their dreams relentlessly, and he took great joy in supporting his children and grandchildren's educational and extracurricular endeavors.

Ed is survived by his loving wife, JoAnn Jaerger; his children, Susan Quinn, Sandra Childs, and Glenda Skaggs; his grandchildren, Derek Childs, Collin Quinn, Melissa Edwards, and Chelsea Smith; and his great-grandchildren, Kaleigh Quinn, Evelyn Edwards, Conor Quinn, Liam Edwards, Riley Jo Smith and step great grandson Mason Smith. He also leaves behind his brothers, Ronnie and Steve Jaerger as well as numerous nieces and nephews and cousins, one of which is Larry Jaerger who recently visited Ed at home. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward David Jaerger and Christina Beulah Bell, and his sister, Norma Eileen Shields.

A memorial service to celebrate Ed's life will be held on July 20th at 11 am at Bohlender Funeral Chapel. His legacy of love, support, and joy will be cherished and remembered by all who knew him.