Joni Jaeger

Joni Jaeger (born Sally Joan Waller) made her debut on the world’s stage on April 7, 1935. Born to Rex and Sally Waller in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Joni graced lots of stages in her life before she was called home to heaven on March 16, 2024.

Growing up Joni’s family moved around a lot and she was a star in each of her classes and schools as a student and performer. She graduated from West Orange High School with honors in 1952, and went on to attend the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. After qualifying for The Miss America Pageant representing New Jersey in the 1955 pageant and working for The Miss America Foundation for a year, Joni went on to complete her studies at The College of William & Mary. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music.

Joni had a diverse career from freelance modeling to special events coordinator, Director of Women’s Banking (First Wisconsin), Director of Consumer Affairs (Lincoln National Life Insurance) and she retired in 2008 from her role as The Director of the Relocation Division for The Stark Company in Madison, WI.

Joni served her church and community in many capacities. In her most active years she truly believed that an attitude of, “I must do something” solved more problems than “Something must be done.” She never turned down an opportunity to gather with friends at Dine-Around, Lunch Bunch, Tempo, PEO or many Bible studies with some of her dearest friends also known as, “The Religious Rascals.” She loved being a part of Rotary and PEO along with many other special organizations. She was an arts enthusiast as a performer, director, and spectator and she loved “The Good Book” and a good book.

Joni was married to Stretch Jaeger for 34 years until he passed away in 2016 and when they married they took all of their children and their spouses to Hawaii for the celebration. From the day they were wed, he warmly called Joni “Her Majesty” and it stuck. Joni and Stretch both worked for The Stark Company, loved to travel, spend time with family and enjoyed lots of social and community events together.

Joni was a longtime member of Covenant Presbyterian Church where she served on search committees, as a deacon, and sang in the choir. Crossroads Church became her church home after moving to Woodbury, MN in 2018. True to her gift of making friends wherever she went, she enjoyed her friends at St. Therese so much whether they were playing 500 or Mahjong or just visiting in her apartment.

If you knew Joni it is likely that you received at least one handwritten note or carefully chosen greeting card from her over the years. She had a special gift for keeping in touch with friends and family near and far. And she was never without a song to share!

The next time you hear, “Fairest Lord Jesus” you’ll be listening to her favorite hymn and can know that she is with her Beautiful Savior! Lord of all the nations, Son of God and Son of Man, Glory and honor, praise, adoration, now and forevermore.

FAMILY

Survived by her Children: Lynn (Mike) Pien of Woodbury, MN, Kim Coleman of Austin, TX, Jennifer (Greg) Sise of Edmond, OK. Steve Jaeger of Madison, Dave (Karen) Jaeger of Medina, MN, Diane (Brian) Larson of Denver, CO.Grandchildren: Ben (Karolina) Pien, Rob (Kevyn) Pien, John David (Haley) Pien, Lindsay (Conrad) Meave, Tate Sise, Max Sise. Matthew Jaeger, Jessy (Logan) Alberti, Paul (Shawny) Jaeger, Michael (Catherine) Jaeger, Dan Jaeger, John Jaeger, Nick Larson, Amanda (Alex Castillo) Larson.

Great-Grandchildren: Jonah and Wyatt Pien, Cece, Ezra and Hayes Pien, Axl and Gemma Pien, Hudson Mears, Winslow Meave, Jack and Isabelle Alberti, Quinn and Molly Jaeger, Andrew Jaeger, and Ava Castillo.

Brother Dr. Robert R. Waller (Lisa) of Memphis, TN. As well as her nieces Elizabeth Waller (Steven Kovensky), Kathy Waller Navone (Tim) and nephew Rob Waller (Katie), great nieces and nephews and her goddaughter, Selas Kahsay.

She was preceded in death by her parents Sally and Rex Waller. Her husband E.L. “Stretch” Jaeger and her sister-in-law Sarah Waller.

Joni’s family is deeply grateful to the many people who took care of her including her amazing caregivers from CareAparent in Woodbury, Adara Home Health and St. Croix Hospice for their compassion and thoughtful care.

The family will celebrate Joni’s life with a small gathering later this summer.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been set up with Covenant Presbyterian Church, 326 S. Segoe Road, Madison WI 53705 or online at https://www.covenantmadison.org/give