Carl Jaeger

Carl Jaeger, age 96, of Billings, MT passed away at home on April 24, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Beloved husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, and dear friend, his strong and steadfast presence will be missed by us all.

Carl was born in Kildeer, ND to Anton Jaeger and Mary (Schmidt) Jaeger, the youngest of seven children. He was brought home from the hospital during the bitter cold winter in a horse and buggy. He spent his early years farming, working with and breaking horses, and being spoiled by his five sisters and big brother. A cowboy at heart, he never stopped loving horses and in later years, enjoyed watching rodeo and bull-riding with his wife of 61 years, Patsy.

Sandy-haired, tall, handsome Carl invited shy, sweet little Patsy to dance with him one night, and the rest is history! Carl was an excellent dancer and a persistent suitor, and the two were married shortly after. Carl and Patsy spent the rest of their lives together, raising daughter Cindy and son Michael. They were devastated when Mike died at age 26 from a brain aneurysm. Carl and Patsy took Mike’s wife and his two young sons, Darrell and Dallas, under their wing and nurtured and helped the boys throughout their youth and young adulthood.

Carl survived the Great Depression and he never forgot the lessons learned during that time about saving money and not throwing anything away that “he might be able to use later.” He LOVED going to auctions and occasionally picking up antique farm equipment that he would bring home and lovingly paint John Deere green (and yellow.) His farm equipment yard décor competed with Patsy’s flowers and often won the battle, much to her dismay.

Carl liked to garden and cared for his yard meticulously. Even when he was 95 years old during his last summer, he put younger neighbors to shame with his diligent yardwork, making sure there wasn’t a single leaf left on the ground. Weeds didn’t stand a chance with Carl around!

The neighbors called Carl, “The Mayor”, because he would drive slowly around the neighborhood (or bicycle in his middle years), chatting with everyone he saw. Neighbors became dear friends, and they enjoyed hearing Carl’s old stories and updates on the neighborhood. Carl helped his neighbors in many different ways, and several have expressed their gratitude and feelings of loss now that their friend has moved on. The family especially wishes to thank Tim and Scott George for their long-time friendship and adventures with Carl through the years.

In August of 1952 Carl was drafted from the farm to serve in the Army Artillery during the Korean War until May of 1954. He honorably served in combat roles, earning the Korean Service

Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars (meaning he served in 2 campaigns), the United States Service Medal, and National Defense Medal.

Carl worked odd jobs after he was honorably discharged from the military, including working on a seismograph crew and in construction. He was a heavy equipment operator for many years, and was the crane operator during the construction of various commercial buildings in Billings. Carl’s hobbies included gardening and yard work, working on home projects, going for long drives, playing cards “downtown”, collecting and tinkering with farm antiques, and spending time with family and friends. Carl renewed his driver’s license for the last time at the age of 95, lamenting the fact that he didn’t think the DMV would renew it again in four years.

Carl dearly loved his grandchildren and enjoyed taking the kids camping and fishing often when they were young. His grandsons learned that Grandpa couldn’t cook when he tried making steaks for them: first he boiled the steaks and then he fried them!

Carl is survived by his wife, Patsy, daughter Cindy Ruth (John), grandchildren: Darrell Jaeger, Dallas Jaeger (Jamie), Amber Nummerdor (Steve), and Melanie Ruth. Also his great-grandchildren: Belle and Isaac Nummerdor and Elizabeth and Aleyah Jaeger and numerous nieces and nephews. Carl was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Michael, and his siblings: Anton Jaeger, Jr., Eva Thorsness, Madge VanOosting, Kate Griffin, Rose Johnson, and Agnes Middleton.

Funeral services for Carl will be held Monday, May 5, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson, Billings, MT. (Public viewing of Carl will be held from 12-1 p.m. prior to the service.) Graveside service/interment will take place immediately after at Mountview Cemetary, 1704 Central Ave. (with military honors.)

Friends, family and neighbors are invited to a luncheon provided by the family at 3:00 p.m., May 5 at MacKenzie River Pizza, 405 Main Street, Billings.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for contributions for “Sun”, his devoted and beloved end-of-life caregiver. The donation link is 

https://gofund.me/719c1a3c