Heather Jager, age 52, passed away on December 12, 2023, after fighting a battle with Alzheimer’s. Her final moments were spent peacefully at home in Wamego, surrounded by her husband, children, and family.
Known for always wanting to help people, her contagious smile and extraordinary laugh will be dearly missed by all that knew her.
She was born February 17, 1971, in San Bernardino, California, the daughter of Yvonne (Pippy) Engstrom. She moved back to Junction City, Kansas, where she spent time living with her mother and grandparents.
She and her mother moved to Manhattan, where she attended Seven Dolors Catholic School. She graduated from Manhattan High School in 1989, and later from Kansas State University with a Bachelors in Social Work.
On April 23, 1993, Heather married her high school sweetheart, Shane Jager, in Manhattan. Later that year, Heather and Shane moved to Wamego, where they raised their three beautiful children Taylor, Madison, and Jace.
She could often be found at her children’s sporting events or dance recitals. She had a passion for the outdoors, where she loved to garden, take walks, water ski, or photograph a beautiful Kansas sunset. She had a sense of adventure and loved to plan family vacations. Her true love was spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Survivors include her husband Shane, of the home; her children; Taylor Ryan (Travis), Madison Jager (Cooper Foltz), and Jace Jager; three grandchildren Kasyn Ebert, Hunter Ryan, and Layne Ryan; step-father Tim Stepan; her sisters Courtney and Katie Stepan; her mother and father-in-law, Rodney and Janice Jager; her aunts and uncles; her cousins; her brother and sister in laws; her nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother Pippy.
A rosary prayer service will be held on Saturday, December 16th at 10:30 AM at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Wamego. Mass of Christian Burial will take place after at 11:00 AM.
The family will greet friends following the Mass at the luncheon in the Parish Hall.
A private family inurnment will be held at the Wabaunsee Cemetery.
The family asks in lieu of flowers to donate to “Cops and Kids” or the Westview Community Church, for their program to provide clothing for kids in protective custody. Those may be sent in care of Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com