Kenneth James Jager

Kenneth J. “Papa Smurf” Jager, 62 of Devils Lake, ND passed away Sunday evening, December 14, 2008 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND Funeral Services for Kenny will be held on Friday, December 19, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake. Fr. Dale Kinzler will officiate and burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Devils Lake. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home on Thursday from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Friday will be from 9:00 a.m. until time of service. Serving as Casket Bearers for Kenny will be Robert Orness, Kent Stevens, Todd Dauphinais, Kelvin Carlson, James Bachmeier and Greg Maier. Music will be provided by JoDee Lagein Kenneth James was born September 10, 1946 in Devils Lake, the son of Fred and Rose (Shiele) Jager. He attended elementary school in Crary, ND and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Devils Lake. Kenneth met his wife, Betty Herman in 1964 and they were united in marriage on September 10, 1966 at St. Michael, ND. This marriage was blessed with three children, Ronnette, Fredrick and Keith. Kenneth worked at Camp Grafton for a time and also managed the Robertson Holiday in Carrington. He later transferred to Devils Lake. Kenneth eventually began to work for Durbin’s Excavating where he worked until he retired. Kenny loved to hunt and fish. He enjoyed being outdoors-always keeping busy. He tended to his gardens with love and canned every fall-something he learned from his mother. He would make sausage several times a year and it was good!! He enjoyed dancing and to have a beer with family and friends. He liked the Vikings and also enjoyed playing pinochle. He loved to watch his granddaughter, Jaydee play hockey and seeing his great granddaughter, Abbi always brought a smile to his face. He was very proud of his family and often bragged about all of them. Kenny appeared to be a tough guy on the outside, but anyone who knew Papa, saw the softer side. He was strong and fought a hard battle with cancer-never once complaining. He will be greatly missed, his smile, his hat, his harsh stern voice, his love for life. Kenny is survived by his dear son, Keith Jager and his loving daughter, Ronnette Orness and her husband, Jamie all of Devils Lake. Four Grandchildren: Jannelle (Kent) Stevens of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jamie L. Orness, Robert Orness and Jaydee Orness all of Devils Lake Great Granddaughter: Abbigail Anderson Sisters: Carol Reed and Anna Bachmeier also of Devils Lake He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty on August 22, 2004; son, Fred; brother, Jerry Jager; nephews, Dale Bachmeier and Randy Bachmeier and brother-in-law, Duane Reed.