Lois I. Jaeger

Lois I. Jaeger, age 97, of Atwater, met her Lord and Savior on Sunday, December 31, 2023, free at last of pain at Meeker Manor in Litchfield.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by the Funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 5, at the Victory Christian Fellowship Church in Grove City.  Interment will be at the Bird Island Cemetery in Bird Island.  Arrangements entrusted to the Peterson Brothers Atwater Funeral Home.  www.petersonbrothers.com

Lois Imogene Jaeger was the sixth child of seven, born to Samuel and Clara (Kratz) Gonterman on March 10, 1926.  She had three sons with her first marriage: Jack, Wade, and Walter.  While the boys were small, she met Gottlieb 'Dean' Jaeger- "Bud" to many, who became a father to the young family.

They moved to Lakewood, California, where Dean worked in construction, and Lois worked at Lockheed-Martin. The work in California brought many of the Gonterman's out west, where Lois could enjoy family.  It was a joy for Lois when relatives visited. She loved entertaining guests and showing them the local sites.  Traveling was another enjoyment for the couple, who were members of the Good Sam RV Club and made trips throughout the United States.

In 1985, retirement loomed for Dean, and he decided it was time to connect again to the Jaeger clan. The move was imminent, and Lois had a choice to stay or to go. Hank Jaeger found a piece of land on Lake Elizabeth, and the couple built their retirement home and enjoyed the lake life.

Lois took up the craft of putting together and decorating ostrich eggs she received from her nephew Mickey. Many garage sales and thrift shops were visited, looking for small items or figurines to put in the eggs.  Lois learned many Jaeger traditions and recipes that she enjoyed making, eating, and sharing with others.

In 1999, Dean's health declined; with this event, the Pucketts entered their lives to help Lois. When Dean lost his eyesight, she took on the role of caregiver and driver. Lois faithfully cared for Dean for six years at home; when more help was needed, he moved to a nursing facility in Willmar, where Lois often went to help with his care and comfort till he passed away in March of 2008.

With no complaints, the home's running fell on Lois' shoulders, inside and outside tasks. When projects needed to be completed, family or friends would help her get things done. She was always so grateful, so thankful.  Lois lived alone for 11 years, but eventually, dementia became an issue. In December 2019, she moved to South Grove Square, where her adopted church family was better able to take care of her.  On October 27, a hip fracture put her in the hospital and eventually Meeker Manor, where she passed away.

Even with her memory loss, she had an amazing ability to make everyone feel unique and loved. Lois had a kind heart and a soft spot for dogs, big or small; they were drawn to her and received extra attention.  As the oldest member of Victory Christian Fellowship, Grandma Lois will always be remembered and treasured with her smiles and hugs, free and abundant.

She is survived by seven grandchildren; many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, besides other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dean in 2008; three sons, Jack, Wade and Walter; two grandsons, Jonny Doerr and Walter Doerr, Jr.; three brothers, Charles, Thomas and Robert Gonterman; and three sisters, Margaret Owen, Mildred Moss and an infant sister, Elizabeth Gonterman.