"My Dad and Mom bought a couple houses from Stretch. I think Stretch and my Dad golfed a few times together, something they both loved to do!! Stretch was held in high regard by my family. Our Sympathies to the Jaeger family! Bary Bothun"
In loving memory of
E.L. "Stretch" Jaeger
April 8, 1927 - January 13, 2016
E.L. "STRETCH" JAEGER
April 8th, 1927 was a banner day for Arthur and Louise Jaeger when they welcomed their 3rd child into the world in Glendale, WI. Elmer Louis "Stretch" Jaeger, who answered to many names: beloved son, husband, Dad, Big Daddy, Grandpa, Papa, Big Granddaddy, Great Granddaddy, brother, uncle, colleague and friend, was called home to heaven on January, 13, 2016.
He began his education in a one-room schoolhouse and went on to graduate from Shorewood High School where he and the golf team made a name for themselves. At the age of 17 he enlisted in the Army Air Corp and they took one look at his 6 foot 4 inch frame and dubbed him Stretch, a name that stayed with him for over 70 years. The GI bill paved the way for a brief stint at Michigan State and his degree from the University of Wisconsin. Upon graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree he accepted a job with Oscar Mayer in the Human Resources Division and at age 24, in his usual style, he won the annual company golf tournament. Another highlight that year was his marriage to Judy (Shelstad) and they proceeded to raise 3 children, play duplicate bridge, and a lot of golf.
He spent the next 56 years in business as a record-breaking real estate broker mostly with the Stark Company. Over the years he served on numerous committees for The Greater Madison Board of Realtors. He was a dedicated colleague and an encouraging mentor. Stretch always said the two best sales he ever made were convincing Judy and Joni to marry him.
In 1982 when Stretch and Joni tied the knot, he took all of the children and their spouses to Hawaii for the celebration. From the day they were wed, he warmly called Joni "Her Majesty" and it stuck.
He was a longtime member of Bethel Lutheran Church where he served on the Bethel Council and was among the inaugural participants in the Bethel Bible Study Series.
Stretch's love for golf began when he started playing at age 10. Not only did he play the sport, he served in it as well and at 14 he became the youngest caddy master at Brynwood Country Club. Stretch was a member of the USGA. He was fascinated by the history of golf and wanted to share what he knew with anyone willing to listen. He had the joy of playing some of the most renowned golf courses in the world. His favorite course to play and spectate was Augusta National. The Masters was a permanent fixture on his calendar and he never missed a round. With a little coaxing once in a while you might even get Stretch to share about his double eagle. Some might say he was a golfaholic! Golfers everywhere have lost one of their greatest supporters.
Stretch was an aficionado of old movies, especially those featuring Tracy & Hepburn and Bogart, Bacall, & Bergman. Stretch and Joni were season ticket holders to the Madison Symphony and The Madison Repertory Theatre. Spending one evening a month with some of their dearest friends at Dine-A-Round was always a highlight on their calendar. He had a captive audience for all of his stories.
Stretch was an exceptional human being and all who came into contact with him were better for the experience. He was a gifted storyteller, never at a loss for words and a great listener with a contagious smile.
Yes, he was a true gentleman, a man of integrity, honor and moral character. He had the mind of an engineer and the soul of a poet. He moved through the world with unshakable calm, confidence and a fierce grace.
Stretch loved travel with or without reservations and always lucked out. His family travels always included at least one good golf bag and each in its time was a very special companion. He managed to hit most of the National parks and all of the state capitols. His last big trip was to Alaska where he saw Mt. McKinley free of cloud cover and a majestic view. An elder told us his people called Mt. McKinley, "Denali," the great one....from then on Stretch lovingly referred to himself as "Denali" which was fitting because he was a GREAT ONE.
FAMILY
Survived by his wife Joni. Children: Steve Jaeger of Madison, Dave (Karen) Jaeger of Medina, MN, Diane (Brian) Larson of Dana Point, CA, Lynn (Mike) Pien of Woodbury, MN, Kim Coleman of Austin, TX, Jennifer (Greg) Sise of Edmond, OK. Grandchildren: Matthew Jaeger, Jessy Jaeger, Paul Jaeger, Michael (Catherine) Jaeger, Dan Jaeger, John Jaeger, Nick Larson, Amanda Larson, Ben (Karolina) Pien, Rob (Kevyn) Pien, John David (Haley) Pien, Lindsay Mears, Tate Sise, Max Sise. Great-Grandchildren: Jonah and Wyatt Pien, and Hudson Loesch. Brother-in-law Dr. Robert R. Waller of Memphis, TN. As well as his nieces and nephews and goddaughter, Selas Kahsay.
He was preceded in death by his parents Louise and Arthur Jaeger, brother Carl (Marion), sister Dorothy Schubert (Lloyd), his first wife Judy Shelstad, and his sister-in-law Sarah Waller.
Stretch's family is grateful to the staff at BrightStar Senior Living of Madison and Agrace Hospice services for their compassion and tender care.
A celebration of Stretch's life will be held Saturday, January 16, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 326 S Segoe Rd in Madison. Visitation with the family will be at 1 o'clock. Cress Funeral Home is serving the family.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been set up with The First Tee of South Central Wisconsin. 5501 Schroeder Road, Suite 100, Madison, Wisconsin 53703
Please share your memories of Stretch.
Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road Madison
(608) 238-3434
Tributes
"I remember having many entertaining conversations with Stretch over the years. My sympathy to Joni and the rest of the family."
"The jokes -- ahhh --- the jokes. Always a big smile on your face. You will be missed Stretch. God's speed."
"Stretch was always ready to tell us his latest golf joke--almost the minute we would greet him at a social event. He was great at telling jokes and always had a new one. . Stretch --the ultimate sports participant and fan--nicknamed me The Champ, many years ago--after I was bragging about a tennis win. Coming from him, this nickname was a real honor. He NEVER called me Joan from then on. I loved being called THE CHAMP--and he knew it! He always said it with a smile and a twinkle in his eye. We had many fun times, especially at Dine-Around."
"Thinking of you Joni, and family. My sympathies. Steve Schwartz"
"I always thought of Stretch as the "Cary Grant" of Real Estate. Stretch was a class act 100% of the time. One day my friend Chuck and I were walk ons at Odana teamed up with Stretch and Harold Harder who were both exceptional golfers. On the first hole, Stretch and Harold were on the green in two while Chuck and I struggled just to approach the green. As they leaned on their putters and watched us chip over the green "several times" Stretch never showed his impatience with us. Chuck and I knew we were definitely out of our league but Stretch never made us feel anything but welcomed. That was in 1985. I have never forgotten the way Stretch made my friend and I feel so comfortable after that. I will miss his jokes, confidence, and most of all, his smile. Thank you Stretch for enriching my life. Paul Voss"
"Larry and I feel honored to have known Stretch. He had lots of tenderness and wit in that 6'4" body, and we are very grateful to have had him in our lives. Sending lots of love to our family gathering in Madison on Saturday."
"I sat across from Stretch at the Stark Company for a couple of years. He and I were chatting as he was packing up his desk when he retired. He picked up a artificial plant that had been on his desk. He said "I don't know why I am taking this thing, it never grows". The world will miss his sense of humor for sure!!!"
"You said it all so well here. Great Guy. Great Family. I learned a lot from Stretch and he is missed. Thinking of you all. John Neumann"