Garney George Jager

Garney Jager, of Dawson, passed away Saturday, June 3, 2023, peacefully at his home in Dawson at the age of 67. 

Memorial services will be held Thursday, June 8, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Grace Lutheran Church in Dawson with Pastor Herbert Rotunda and Pastor Kendall Stelter officiating.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 7, 2023 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church in Dawson.  Visitation will continue on hour prior to services on Thursday.

Arrangements are with Hanson & Dahl Funeral Home in Dawson.  www.andersontebeest.com

Garney George Jager was one of five sons of Helen and Glenn Jager who were all raised in Dawson, MN.  He was born in Watertown, SD on January 10, 1956. Garney attended Dawson-Boyd Public Schools, where he excelled in athletics including basketball, track and field, and baseball. Garney had a profound love of music, and was an accomplished trumpet player.  

Following graduation from high school, Garney married the love of his life Nancy Jo (DeGriselles) Jager. They were united in marriage at the First Presbyterian Church in Dawson on August 24th, 1974. They had two children, Nichole (Jager) Swenson, and Justin Jager. Nichole and Justin were also raised and schooled in Dawson.   

Garney worked diligently for the City of Dawson for 27 years. His work ethic was impeccable and he was a mentor to many of Dawson’s youth through the Parks Department. He then moved on to manage the Dawson Municipal Liquor Store.  Under his management, he facilitated many generous contributions to the City of Dawson through his annual wine tastings. He retired from the City of Dawson in 2021. 

Garney began playing center field and catcher for Cerro Gordo Mens Fastpitch in 1974, the longest-running men's fastpitch team in Minnesota, and played for many years. Throughout his tenure on the team, Garney and Nancy made lifelong friends. Garney’s love for the game inspired his son, son-in-law, and grandchildren to continue the softball and baseball tradition.   

Vacationing at Webb Lake, WI was a family tradition for Garney and Nancy’s family and it brought them great joy to be on the water with their children. Siblings, nieces, nephews, grandparents, friends, aunts, and uncles were always invited. Fishing and watersports like skiing and boating were Garney’s passions. For a break from lake festivities, Garney appreciated making an “ice run” to the local watering hole, The Cabaret. It wasn’t too long before everyone wanted to accompany Garney on his “ice run.”  

Garney is remembered for his witty personality and sense of humor, among other attributes. He was a hardworking family man who took great pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. His grandchildren were the sparkle in his eyes. Garney also loved completing construction projects with his brothers, son, and son-in-law. He was a jack-of-all trades handyman. 

He is survived by his mother, Helen Mae (Anderson) Jager; daughter, Nichole (Daren) Swenson grandsons: Alexander and Aiden Swenson; son, Justin (Marilee) Jager; grandchildren: Helen and Brice Jager; brothers: Gary (Andrea) Jager, Gordon (Vicki) Jager, Galen (Paula) Jager, Gene Jager; and sister-in-law, Melva (Roni) Larson.

Preceding him in death was his wife, Nancy Jo (DeGriselles) Jager; his father, Glenn Gilbertson Jager; parents-in-law: John and Donna DeGriselles; and sister-in-law, Karen Volk.

God bless you, Garney, you will be in our hearts forever. Eno Erom Reeb