Arthur F. Jaeger

January 31, 1927 - June 22, 2009

Passed away peacefully in his sleep. While still in grade school Art began his business career delivering prescriptions on his bicycle for the local Ballard drug store at a nickel per stop. He moved on to become the newsboy shack manager, a busboy at the Roosevelt Hotel and Metro bus driver. At the age of 17, Art graduated early from Lincoln High school and joined the Navy where he trained to be a pilot. He left active duty in 1947 and continued with the Reserve until 1987 when he retired with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. In 1950 he met Themla Treece on a YWCA hayride. They were soon married. Art graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Business with an emphasis in Real Estate in 1952. He tried his hand at Real Estate but was far too young looking for customers to have any confidence in him. After working as a "cereal salesman", Art was daring enough to become an entrepreneur and opened AA Rentals in 1956. That single Lake City storefont he started grew to a chain of 24 locations which became the recognized "name brand" for Equipment Rental Stores in the greater Puget Sound area. In the later years of his business career, Art became very active in the American Rental Association where he was elected to director of the Northwestern States. Art was able to retire at the age of 55 and set off to travel the world with Thelma by plane, cruise ship and motor home. After her untimely death, Art bought a home in Palm Desert and became a "snowbird". He spent his days with close friends and relatives on the golf course, at the casinos and at constant neighborhood parties. He enjoyed life to the fullest.

Art is survived by his his brother, Robert (Bob) Jaeger, his daughter, Nancy Jaeger Shaw, his son Mark P. Jaeger and his grandchildren Samantha Shaw and Zachary, Nicholas and Alexis Jaeger. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Mary Ann Osborn and Helen (Midge) Wilson. We know he has now been reunited with his one true love, Thelma.

"We will all miss you so much."

A celebration of Art's life will be held Sunday, August 23, 2009 at the home of Mark Jaeger.