Frederick Anton "Fred" Jaeger passed away on July 2, 2022, at his home in Bradenton, Florida. He was 88 years young.
Fred, as he was called by his family and friends, was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on June 5, 1934, to his father, Otto Jaeger and his mother, Emma Jaeger (nee Behrmann). If there is one word to describe him it would be "determined." His sense of determination started early, at age 3, when his father passed due to a drowning accident. He quickly found himself helping his mother to manage a household.
He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a degree in mechanical engineering. He worked for Allison Engine Company in Indianapolis, Indiana and then served in the US Army and Reserve. After this service, he was hired by Martin Marietta in Denver, Colorado. He worked for Martin Marietta, now Lockheed Martin, for 37 years; first in Denver and later in Baltimore, MD. While he had many successes working for Lockheed Martin, one of his proudest was leading the team who designed the propulsion system for the first Mars Lander to land on Mars on July 20, 1976. A replica of the Mars Lander now resides in the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. After retirement he continued his career for four years as a Community Safety Volunteer for the Douglas County Sheriff’s office in Castle Rock, CO. In addition to his work and family, he enjoyed cycling, golfing, fishing and hunting.
Fred married the love of his life, Merril Jean Wheeler, on December 28, 1957. They met at the University of Wisconsin when he noticed her dancing, and with staunch determination to meet her he cut in on the dance. From that moment on their love blossomed. They often were seen dancing to their favorite song, "My Funny Valentine." They were married for 65 magical years!
Fred was preceded in death by his parents and by his sister, Edith Augusta Anderson. He is survived by his wife, Merril Jean Wheeler; children, Katherine Jean Kerchner, Mark Frederick Jaeger, and Stuart Anton Jaeger; grandchildren, Evan Thomas Jaeger, Stephen Frederick Jaeger, Matthew Ryan Kerchner, Corey Anton Kerchner, Tyler Anton Jaeger, and Joshua Hunter Jaeger; and great-granddaughter, Tessa Zenith Jaeger.
A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 P.M. Saturday, July 30, 2022, at Roser Chapel on Anna Maria Island, Florida. A Celebration of Life reception will follow.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 is in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences may be made to: www.brownandsonsfuneral.com
