Ole Jaeger

Georgetown – Ole Jaeger, 90, died on Saturday, September 13th at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Mynderup, Denmark on March 16, 1935, a son of Hans Henrik and Ellen Margrethe (Hansen) Jaeger. Ole vividly remembered being five years old when the Nazis invaded and occupied Denmark. Living through World War II inspired his lifelong commitment to supporting democracy and fighting against its destruction. It also sparked his deep involvement in community service.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy Jaeger of Georgetown; their four children, Eric, Carl, Joseph, and Anna Sofia; Carl’s husband Leo Chyi and Joseph’s wife Tara; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; cousins, nieces and nephews here in the US and in Denmark. His brother, Frits Jaeger, died earlier this year.

Ole was a patient and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who enjoyed nothing more than spending time with family. The last words that he spoke were: “Building my family has been the greatest love in my life.” Ole loved life fiercely and was a loving and gentle man.

When he and Sandy met on May 18, 1960, it was pure magic. Within days they knew they would be married. After they wed that October in Denmark, he finally arrived in NYC on December 22, 1960. He was determined to have a live Christmas tree with lit candles (a Danish tradition). He walked all over Manhattan until he found a tiny Charlie Brown Christmas tree. It never occurred to Sandy and Ole that their different cultures, religions, and languages would be obstacles — and they weren't. They felt extremely lucky for every day of the 65 years they had together and never took it for granted.

Ole apprenticed as a blacksmith in Denmark but was a self-taught mechanical engineer. His combination of training, ingenuity, intelligence, and grit — always paired with humility — laid the foundation for a life of quiet accomplishment. A true renaissance man by trade and by hobby, there was no task Ole couldn’t conquer.

He committed his time, energy, and support to numerous organizations, including the Boy Scouts, Association of Special Children and Families, AARP, Natural Resources Council of Maine, Age Friendly Georgetown, and the Maine Coalition to Fight Prostate Cancer (MCFPC). When the MCFPC faltered, it was Ole's energy that rejuvenated it and brought it back to life.

He and Sandy were honored to receive the Natural Resources Defense Council of Maine Conservation Leadership Award in 2018 for “exemplifying an informed and highly engaged citizenry necessary for holding elected officials accountable.” He tirelessly lobbied the Maine State Legislature on issues related to aging, the environment, cancer issues, LQTBQ issues, children with special needs, housing, and much else.

Ole was grateful to be part of the Mid-coast Maine community for the past 29 years. In Georgetown, he served as a member of the Board of Appeals, the Solid Waste Committee, and the Georgetown Democratic Committee.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Maine Coalition to Fight Prostate Cancer at https://mcfpc.org/contribute/. This organization was close to Dad's heart — he both benefited from their work and was proud to help lead their mission.

Arrangements are by Daigle Funeral Home, 819 High Street, Bath. Condolences may be made online at www.DaigleFuneralHome.com.