Esther Jaeger

The other half of the Singing Sweethearts passed away on Wednesday, September 7, 2016. Esther Jaeger, 97 will once again join her husband, Fred in what we can hope and dream is another chance to continue their duet.

Born Esther Lillian Leona Stubbe on Aug. 17, 1919 to Herman and Johanna (Kraege) Stubbe in Wausau, Wisconsin, Esther was the youngest of 13 children. She grew up on Wausau's Northwest side where she met the love of her life, Fred (Fritz) Jaeger at age 14.

They shared a love of music and sang and played in jamborees and front porch neighborhood gatherings. Esther with her mandolin and Fred with his guitar were known as the Singing Sweethearts and performed on WSAU Radio station for a weekly show in the 1930's. They traveled to Stevens Point to play a live show on a radio station and even made a couple of records.

WWII ended the Singing Sweethearts with Fred leaving to serve overseas, but Esther waited for his return and they married on August 3, 1946 at Salem Lutheran Church in Wausau. They built their home on Wausau's Southwest side where they raised five children, and loved and cared for 10 grandchildren in their later years.

Her children were always first in her life. As a full-time homemaker, Esther still found time to be a Cub Scout Den Mother and PTA Parent at GD Jones Elementary School. She was there to make hot chocolate for the morning Safety Patrols or act as a chaperone for school field trips.
Esther loved to cook and bake winning many prizes at the Wisconsin Valley Fair for her delicious creations. She enjoyed designing and baking elaborate and fanciful birthday cakes for her family. She was an avid reader and spent countless hours reading to her children and grand children. She wrote journals all her life and recorded the family history. She also wrote poetry for fun and was proud to have had a couple of poems published.

Esther will be lovingly remembered by her sons Darrel, Lowell (Amy), Randy (Kathy Jo) and Rico (Robin) Jaeger and by her daughter, Jeana (Andrew) McGivern; by ten grandchildren, Shoni, Talaye, Bettreena, Jesseamyn, Aamon, Josh, Logan, Austin, and Isabella Jaeger and Justin McGivern; as well as six great grandchildren, Aurora, Arrayah, Blayde, Trace, Quinlan and Abey.

Services celebrating Esther's life will be on Monday, Sept. 12th at 12:00pm led by Pastor Richard Russow at Helke Funeral Home, visitation from 10:00am - 12:00pm. The family would like to thank TLC caregiver, Michelle Tekler for her gentle and genuine friendship; Marshfield Clinic's Dr. Bart Isaacson and Dr. Jerry Goldberg for all the years of quality care; and the doctors and staff at Aspirus Hospital, Wausau.

You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.