Robert Walter Jaeger, a 28-year resident of Seven Lakes, passed away Monday, Feb. 13, 2012, at his home, following a valiant battle with brain cancer. He achieved his final goal — to enjoy his 84th birthday — celebrated joyously by Bob and his loving family.
A service celebrating Bob’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 17, at the Chapel in the Pines in Seven Lakes.
He was born Jan. 25, 1928, to Arthur F. and Edna S. Jaeger, of Brooklyn, N.Y. Bob attended Oberlin College, where he met and married Shirley Keene. Theirs was a love defined by teamwork, mutual dedication and perseverance through every challenge and project.
Following graduation, a number of music-related jobs and two years of service in the U.S. Army, Bob returned to New York state, where he and Shirley raised their family and enjoyed long, successful careers in music education. In 1985 they moved to Seven Lakes, where Bob embarked on a fulfilling “retirement.” Between innumerable rounds of golf he operated a wooden toy business, built furniture and was very active in the life of the chapel: singing in Shirley’s choir, eventually becoming its co-director, and serving as chapel board president.
Bob is survived by his wife, Shirley Jaeger, of Seven Lakes; brother Alan Jaeger and wife, Cathy, of Stamford, Conn.; son Donald Jaeger and wife, Janice, of Charlotte; daughter Sandra Eckel and husband, David, of Clayton; and three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, all of the Charlotte area.
Bob led a generous existence, and in that spirit, his family requests any remembrances in his name benefit either FirstHealth Hospice or The Chapel in the Pines.
Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneral home.com. Boles Funeral Home of Seven Lakes is serving the family.