John Jaegers

John Dennis Jaegers of St. Louis, MO, just shy of his 70th birthday, went to his eternal rest on January 25, 2023. Born on January 31, 1953 on his father's farm in St. Elizabeth, MO, he was raised in Richmond Heights, MO, attended Maplewood High School and in his senior year switched to South County Technical School where he earned his degree in Commercial Art, which became his first career for a few years. John then spent several years working for Carter Carburetor, and at that time he was really settling in and becoming a proud resident of the Dogtown Neighborhood of St. Louis for most of his adult life. Finally, for many years, he enjoyed a more physically active career in both public works and park maintenance for the cities of Maplewood, Berkeley, and Chesterfield before his retirement.

John cherished going to friends’ and family events, reunions, and to their homes. Back in the day, he attended many rock concerts, and was lucky enough to have seen The Beatles live at Busch Stadium! He did his best to embrace disco, not because he liked it, but because he could go with friends and his sisters who’d bring their girlfriends and he’d dance with the ladies. Later, it was Swing dancing where he really found enjoyment. He fell into it by taking his father, Raymond, to get out of the house for fun after Bevy sadly and unexpectedly passed away. Raymond and Bevy had met through dancing. John especially treasured this special bond for several years with his father and his father certainly felt the same way. The fun and exercise for sure was good for both of them and helped contribute to his father living to just a month shy of 90 years old. John would later join the Moolah Swing Dance of St. Louis, MO and had a blast with the special friends he made for many years.

John loved his Hawaiian shirts, history, collecting artifacts, and the Renaissance Festival, which he attended almost every year. He enjoyed visiting the sandy beaches of Florida whenever he could. John was a proud Moolah Shriner who took special pride in the new Shriners Children's Hospital in St. Louis, and had a great love for the kids the organization served. He was also a member for many years of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, the NRA, and in much younger days loved being in the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Through the Scouts, he learned many skills that helped him earn multiple merit badges. He benefited from the camaraderie of their brotherhood, learned survival in nature with fun outdoor adventures, deepened his love of God and country, and of course one of the biggest benefits was a nice break from his four younger sisters.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond George and Margaret Bernadine (nee' Fitzpatrick) Jaegers, and his step-mother, Beverly Carol (nee' Fox) Jaegers who raised him from an early age. He leaves behind five siblings, Evelyn Jaegers, Mary (Mark) Cahn, Laura Kyro, Julie (Don) Tyra, and Raymond (Michelle) Jaegers; nine nieces and nephews, Jessica, Steven, Heather, Sean, Stephanie, Sarah, Evan, Peter, and Rebecca; and four great-nieces and great-nephews, Emily, Lauren, William, and Mara.

John was a good man, son, older brother, uncle, and friend to many. He will be deeply missed by his family (including his countless cousins), his dance partners, and numerous friends.

A Celebration of Life will take place Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 2-6pm. At 5pm, a short service with eulogy will be held at Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary, 6464 Chippewa Street, St. Louis, MO 63109.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to John's favorite charity, Shriners Children's St. Louis. See the link below to give online.

Please leave a favorite memory of John for his family to cherish at the "Add a Memory" link below.