Michael Jerome Hager

Michael (Jerry) Hager died in his sleep, Thanksgiving morning, November 23, 2017, at age 74. He was known as “Mike” to his co-workers, and as “Jerry” to his family and schoolmates. Jerry was the youngest of 11 children, born June 29, 1943 to Rony and Barbara Hager, who moved to the Yakima Valley when Mike was in the 6th grade. Jerry was the first ASB President of the first co-ed Catholic High School known as Yakima Central Catholic High, and he received the first diploma.

He attended YVC, CWU and Gonzaga U. He worked at Longview Fibre (now known as Kapstone) as a Supervisor and Personnel Mgr. As supervisor his crew broke a world record for the most corrugated linear feet produced in an 8 hour shift. He greatly admired and respected the many people he worked with.

Jerry retired to run a ranch of cattle and hay production for 39 years in the Tampico area. He loved nature and the last years at the ranch he planted the acreage with a variety of grains to feed only the wildlife including the herds of elk he protected.

He became a double amputee in 2008 and never complained nor lamented his limitations, but actively landscaped his yard, grew a lavish garden and loved to cook, can, freeze and dehydrate his produce. Being confined to a wheelchair, he also went fishing and played poker at every opportunity.

Jerry is survived by his wife, LaVerne of 53 years, son, Luke (Mandy), daughter, Cristine (Peter) and was preceded in death by 4 year old daughter, Gretchen. He has 6 grandchildren, Brennan, Sydney & Jaxon Hager; 3 step-grandchildren, Bridgett Bond, Brendan Bowler, Alexandra LePauloue, and 2 great step-grandchildren, Holden and Wilson LePauloue.

Memorial Services will be Friday, Dec. 1, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. at Keith and Keith Funeral Home on Yakima Avenue.

To share a memory of Jerry, please visit www.keithandkeith.com.