Karen Jaeger

 Karen F. Jaeger, 82, of Sterling, passed away Monday, December 9, 2024, at Allure of Sterling. Karen was born December 3, 1942, the daughter of James and Dorothy (Day) Rowley, in Hillsdale, Michigan. She married James G. Jaeger on June 26, 1971.

 Karen and Jim moved from Hillsdale to Kankakee, Illinois, and then on to Joliet, Illinois, where they raised their family. Karen joined the St Peter Lutheran Church in Joliet and became a member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, which she continued later at Messiah Lutheran Church of Sterling, serving as treasurer for many years.

 In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Karen was a skilled artist with a keen eye for color. Her oil paintings and ceramics have always graced her family’s home. She was also an expert in knitting, crocheting, and other handicrafts, which she shared with others.

 Survivors include her husband, the Reverend James Jaeger of Sterling, her daughter, Joy Jaeger (Garth Lewis) of Gary, Indiana, and her son, Kenneth Jaeger of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Additional survivors include her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Janet Harrington and Wayne Harrington of Sterling, and her nephews Steven Harrington of Byron, Illinois, and Thomas Harrington of Sterling. Karen was preceded in death by her parents and by her niece, Laurie Frank.

 A funeral service will be held at 3 pm on Tuesday, December 17, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Sterling. Visitation will be at 2 pm at the church.

 A memorial has been established to Messiah Lutheran Church and Christ Lutheran School. Donations in Karen’s memory to Happy Tails Humane Society (Sterling) or Granny Rose Animal Shelter (Dixon) are also appreciated to acknowledge Karen’s deep love of animals, especially dogs and cats.

 Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com.