Lloyd Jaeger

Lloyd Kenneth Jaeger of Harlingen, TX, a 98-year-old Navy veteran of World War Two, passed away in the early morning hours of November 3, 2025.

Lloyd was born in the farming community of Guttenberg, Iowa in January, 1927 and attended school in Shelbina, Missouri. He grew up with a close connection to the outdoors and wildlife around him. He hunted mink, muskrats, squirrels and raccoons with his favorite dog, and fished - not just with a rod but also by hand and with a spear! His prized catch was a 78 pound catfish he hand-caught in Missouri. Lloyd was industrious and had a strong sense of responsibility even as a young boy. He was a great help to his parents by saving his hard earned money to help with family expenses while also setting aside some to buy a used Model A Ford at the age of 16.

When he became of age, Lloyd bravely joined the Navy to assist with efforts during World War Two. He served in the Navy in a variety of important roles. He was a member of the “Plank Crew” (first crew) of the newly launched Escort Carrier, USS Bairoko. Lloyd served as 1st Gunner on a quad-gun crew aboard the carrier. In 1945 his ship supported and carried the first squadron of fighter jets - the Fireballs. There were two main stories that he often told from his Navy days. One was crossing the International Date Line on his birthday and thus turning 19…twice! The other story was a vivid memory of sailing in a Pacific Ocean typhoon and wondering if they would survive. For three days, waves crashed over the carrier causing significant damage. Lloyd served proudly and wore his veteran’s cap with pride.

Once the war ended, Lloyd began his long career with the Burlington Northern Railroad working in the Chicagoland area as a signal maintainer for the next 40 years. The boss could always count on him to respond “in rain, sleet, or snow” to get the signals and switches working again. He met his second wife Kay, who also worked for the railroad, and they married in 1987. Post retirement, Lloyd and Kay enjoyed countless fishing expeditions in their canoe, gardening and travels around the world. They decided to trade in Chicago winters for warmer weather by moving to the Texas Rio Grande Valley where they lived for over 25 years. They experienced the joy of making new friends, playing cards, fishing, family visits and continued travels. There were tours to New Zealand, Australia and several trans-Atlantic cruises to many parts of the world including the Middle East. As their pace slowed and travel was closer to home, their life took on a quieter pace. What mattered most was that they were still together, hand in hand, helping each other as needed.

With declining health, Lloyd and Kay moved to a nursing home in 2021. Lloyd was able to adjust calmly to any challenging situation. They enjoyed a room with a view to watch the activity at the main entrance, keep an eye on the weather, watch Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and best of all - watch the bird activity at 3 bird feeders maintained by son Ken. Phone calls, visits, and zoom sessions helped sustain their connection to loved ones and the outside world.

Lloyd was predeceased by his parents Edward and Marie (Walter) Jaeger, his wife Kay (Griffin) Jaeger who preceded Lloyd in death 6 months earlier, first wife Mildred Fern (Wright) Jaeger, and his brothers LuVerne and Earl Jaeger.

Lloyd is survived by his children from his first marriage: Kenneth Jaeger, Deborah Holakovsky (Ronald Sr.), Michael Jaeger (Wendi), his grandchildren; Ronald Holakovsky Jr. (Kelly), Jason Jaeger, Sarah Jaeger, Renee Naumann, John Miller, and great grandchild; Kennedy Holakovsky.

Lloyd’s cremains will be interred at the Abraham Lincoln National Veterans Cemetery in Elwood, IL. He will be recognized with full military honors. A portion of Kay’s ashes will join him. Family and friends will be notified when the future interment date is set.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in his memory can be made to Loaves & Fishes of the Rio Grande Valley: https://lfrgv.org/

Lloyd lived a full life filled with many adventures. He will forever remain in our hearts and will be missed by those who were blessed to have the opportunity to know and love him.