Dr. John J. Yaeger
July 27, 1921 ~ July 27, 2014
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
John J. Yaeger M.D. Born July 27, 1921, in Sanborn, Minn., passed away July 27, 2014, at St. Mary Corwin Hospital where he served as a physician from 1951 to 1991, including a stint as Chief of Staff. Graduate of St. Olaf College and the University of Minnesota Medical School. He was also a veteran of WWII Army Medical Corp.
Survived by beloved wife of 69 years, Betty Jane Topel Yaeger; children, Jane (Steve) Keightley of Worcester, U. K., Mark (Barbara) of Pueblo, John (Diane) of Annapolis, Md., Peggy (Alex) Christie of Colorado Springs and Amy (Rich) Paul of Grand Junction; 16 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by infant son, Stephan Charles; parents, Walter David and Luretta E. Ripley Yaeger; and sister, Mary Lou Galbraith.
John came to Pueblo in 1951 to set up practice in the height of a polio epidemic. He was pediatrician to many of Pueblo's baby boomers. He was an avid fisherman, bird watcher, sports enthusiast and world traveler. As a lifelong learner, he built furniture and radios and learned the art of wine making and gardening. Upon retirement he took part in Elderhostel studies and audited college courses. As an active volunteer before and after retirement, his activities included conducting the official weigh-ins for Pueblo's wrestlers for many years, instructing Pueblo West school children through Junior Achievement and playing the butler as a docent at Rosemount Museum, to name a few. He was a founding board member of the Nature and Raptor Center. He faithfully attended grandchildren's events whether locally, on the east coast, or in England.
The family wishes to express thanks to the staff at St. Mary Corwin Hospital. John passed away peacefully surrounded by family on his 93rd birthday in a room that happened to be near the Pediatric Ward at the hospital, completing life's full circle. Private family memorial service at John's request. As a long-time member of Ascension Episcopal Church, memorials may be made to the Ascension Church Education Fund, 420 W. 18th St., Pueblo, CO 81003, or directly to the charity of donor's choice. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
Dearest Yeager Family,
Our hearts go out to your entire family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
When I first chose Dr. Yeager to take care of my children I didn’t think that he and I would get along because he was direct and to the point. But, we soon fell in love with this man because he was an all business type of doctor that truly cared about our children and nothing else.
I will never forget the time that one of my babies was terribly sick and my husband just happened to be driving home from work one day and saw Dr. Yeager working in his yard. Don stopped just to ask him what he thought we should do for the baby. He followed Don to the house, medical bag in hand, and promptly cared for our baby and refused payment. This was just the kind of man that he was. His heart and soul was matched by no other pediatrician that we ever had. When he retired from practice I remember crying because I knew that there would never be another man that cared about our children like he did.
You should also know that Dr. Yeager was so proud of his family. I remember many times that he talked about his children with such pleasure that he would make you feel like you were part of his family. He loved them, his wife, and his grandchildren so deeply. He was a true inspiration and family man.
When he moved to Pueblo West, Don and I had the pleasure of running into him a few times and we always talked about fishing. He did love it so much! We enjoyed every conversation we were Blessed to have shared with him over the years no matter what the subject was. He always made us all feel like we were important.
I shall never forget what an amazing, caring, and loyal person he was to his family, the community, and his profession.
People this wonderful are hard to find in life and we are so Blessed that he came into our lives those many years ago.
He will truly and sadly be missed with much love and high regard.
Thank you to the entire family for sharing this true hero with us! We are all changed for the better having learned from his kindness and generosity!
God Bless each and every one of you in your time of sorrow.
Sincerely,
Gina and Don Watson
Special thanks from Christopher, Jennie, and Amanda Watson
Mrs. Yeager and Family,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Dr Yeager took care of me and my six siblings when we were children. I remember at least one house call when I think all seven of us had measles. In his kind, no nonsense manner, he calmly and confidently assured my mom that she was doing fine and so were all of us kids. I, and several of my siblings, were lucky enough to also have Dr. Yeager as pediatrician for our children. All three of my children loved him and if they were nervous or distressed they would immediately calm down when Dr. Yeager entered the room. He had that effect on me too. At a time when some of my friends were baffled by their pediatrician’s percentile comparisons and rules for feeding, and overcome with general anxieties, I was especially grateful for Dr. Yeager’s common sense, knowledge, and calm demeanor. His genuine care for his patients was always apparent and always appreciated. I became a grandmother in April and a second baby closely followed in May. And I have found myself often thinking of Dr. Yeager and calmly giving some of his sage advice. He was a wonderful doctor and a good man. We were blessed to have him in our lives.
Our family was blessed the day Dr. Yeager came into our lives. We moved to Pueblo in 1972 and our son Kyle was two years old. In 1974 our daughter Krista was born. Dr. Yeager was a caring Pediatrician to our babies and friend to this young mother. He honored my skills as a mother and always treated my children with great skill,caring and knowledge. I treasure the conversations we shared as friends and support he gave me during difficult times when my children were sick. When Kyle was 15 years old Dr. Yeager diagnosed him with Type I Diabetes. When he told me, my husband was a railroad engineer and was out of town, I knew it was difficult for him to tell me and I felt he suffered right along with me. Kyle was a part of him as well. Dr. Yeager gave them both their final check before the headed off to college. I will always hold, in my heart, his love, caring and kindness.
I pray that God will grant all of you comfort and peace in the days ahead. I know you are keenly aware of what a fine man he was and what an amazing life he lived. God bless you all. Most Sincerely
Amy, I along with countless others in the Pueblo area were blessed to have your father for a physician in my early years. As time passed I was blessed to have you and your family in my life at Ascension-times that will always be clear and vivid in my mind. I wish you all peace during this difficult time. Cherish the memories and hold fast to the joy!
Lynn Logan Chavez
Los Lunas, NM
Horn Toads, snakes and lizards. Good times, good fun. A loving family. My memories. Can’t honestly say John or Betty were always glad to see me there, but I always felt welcome and at home ” away from home.” Excursions into the prairie are without doubt some of the best times I had as a child. I remember a horse back trip that the Yaeger men, my Dad, and myself took to go fishing, it doesn’t get any better than that. I am so grateful for those times and those memories. Thank you Yaeger’s for being that second family. Richard Miller
Radeaux, Barb and Family,
My condolences to you and your family. What a full and accomplished life Dr. Yaeger had lived. May many wonderful memories bring comfort during this time.
Sincerely,
Valerie Rosen
Our first visit to Dr. Yaeger’s office was for Eleanore’s first well-baby check-up in 1968. As an inexperienced new mother, I was half afraid to touch her, fearing that she might break! Dr. Yaeger tossed her around for awhile (or so it seemed to me) before perching on his stool, holding her in his lap with his arm across her body and her head lolling around. I was wide-eyed (and can still see the scene in my head), but I ceased being afraid! He was a wonderful doctor, an exceptional man and a good friend through the years. We were so pleased that he and Betty were able to attend the birthday brunch we held for Les and Jack three years ago and so many people told us how delighted they also were to see them.
We have been privileged to know all of you for so many years. John used to come to our house with my brother Tom Multer and fetch our bulldog puppy Gladstone for Centennial football games until it was determined that Gladstone’s manners left something to be desired! I’m not sure if Jane babysat, but I think that Peggy did. I’m sitting on a sofa over which a wonderful Radeaux work hangs and we admire his work and Barbara’s as well. Last, but not least, we loved watching Amy grow up and have tried to keep track of her many accomplishments.
Our love to Betty, one of the many women who mentored me in Service League and who was a role model for those of us raising families in the late 60s and 70s-she always appeared calm whether she was or not!
My memories of the Yaeger family are of very hot summers!! The pool at the club and nail polishing every nail and toenail a different color with Jane..As a child I thought it odd that Dr. Yaeger and my dad were friends because they looked like Mutt and Jeff! Of course as an adult I realize they were very similar. Seemingly very stern but talented, committed and tender of heart. It was wonderful to see Dr. Yaeger and Mark at Dad’s service 4 years ago. Time has gone so fast. My love and prayers to you all.
Dear Betty, I am so sorry that John is gone. We have always considered you two our very special friends. What wonderful memories I have of you two. I wish I could see you but you are in my prayers. My love to all the children. Eleanor
I was a young and anxious mother in the 70’s and the confidence and trust I had in Dr. Yeager made motherhood so much easier. My three adult children think of him with fondness. He was a great doctor and person and the world was a better place because her was here. Thank you, Dr. Yeager for the excellent care you gave to my children. I know you are enjoying the beautiful birds in heaven.
Best wishes to the Yaeger Family
Hoy Frakes, George Simms, Jim Grieve,Sam Dazzio, Reed Grant, and Dr. Yaeger were the men who molded me as a Centennial Bulldog. Your Dad exposed me to the upper echelon of wrestling, which helped me to be successful as a wrestler and a coach. As a wrestler he took me to wrestling venues that I didn\’t even know existed. Dr. Yaeger always was there to support me in my coaching endeavors and always had a congratulatory smile and handshake. He helped me raise my kids through his professional guidance. My kids are quite healthy today! I will miss Dr. Yaeger like he was a parent. My condolences goes out to the Yaeger Family on your loss. I will keep your family in my prayers.P.S. My brother Leroy, also, sends his condolences.