Janice Jaeger

Janice Jaeger, 77, Gackle, ND, passed away Thursday, June 27th, 2019, in her home after a brief battle with cancer. 

Janice was born October 9, 1941, in Rugby, ND to Matt and Barbara (Heilman) Hilzendager. She was raised on the family farm in Pierce County and graduated high school in Berwick, ND. She married Jack L. Jaeger on  February 29th, 1960 and settled on a farm southwest of Rugby, ND, where they raised their five children. 

Janice was quiet, hardworking, and was always happy being a mother and homemaker. Throughout the years, Janice enjoyed gardening, canning, knitting, quilting, sewing and baking. Later in life, she enjoyed shopping for antiques and restoring pieces to their former glory.  She was generous and always sharing her finds with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed fixing favorite meals and having plenty of goodies for the holidays and family gatherings. Her caramel rolls, kuchen, apple pies, dessert bars, and homemade bread are legendary in the family and many friendly squabbles ensued over the last piece.  Family meant a lot to Janice, and she never missed a holiday without visiting or sending a card often with a surprise. She attended all family events and milestones for her grandchildren and no distance would keep her away or from celebrating all accomplishments. She had infinite patience while shopping with the grandchildren and they always enjoyed their sweet surprises while being spoiled by grandma. She was always up for a long walk and good conversations. She always made time for her children and grandchildren so that they felt loved and cherished. A treasured thought is that Janice collected books throughout her life that she was going to read when she was old.  Those books are still unread as Janice was young and young at heart until the very end. 

She is survived by: her children, Terrie, Gackle, Charlene Schwan, Fargo, Renea Jaeger, San Diego, CA, Mitch, Williston, Kenny, Cameron, WI;  her grandchildren, Dixon Schwan, Fargo, Dayton Britton (Dennis), Fargo, Abby Jaeger (Mike Sankey), Appleton, WI, Emily Jaeger, Eau Claire, WI, Anna Jaeger, Cameron, WI, Amanda, Ashley, and Jack Jaeger, Sparta, WI; her great-grandchildren, Kiarah Britton and Nora Sankey; her sister, Rita Steeves, Rugby, ND; three brothers, Duane (Helen) Hilzendager, Rugby, Donald (Gayle) Hilzendager, Summerville, SC, and Larry Hilzendager, Shellsburg, IA; sister-in-law, Roxanne Hilzendager, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Janice was preceded in death by her husband, parents, infant son, Randy John; and siblings, David, Dennis, and Yvonne (Vonnie) Schmaltz.  

Please join the family in honoring Janice on August 3rd, 2019.  We will start at the Balta Dam enjoying Janice’s favorite picnic meal from 11-1:30.  At 2:00, there will be a graveside memorial at St. Anselm’s (Fulda) Cemetery.