Edward T. Yaeger

Edward T. Yaeger, 90, died July 23, 2017 peacefully at home in Lake Geneva, WI surrounded by his family. He was born in Chicago IL, May 2, 1927 to Clarence and Lillian Yaeger (nee) Gura. He was a graduate of Elgin High School, Elgin IL, class of 1945 and completed college coursework in engineering. He enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1945 serving on the U.S. east coast. He married Nancy (Glidden) Yaeger, 65 years ago on January 26, 1952 and had two daughters and one grandson. He was employed for 18 years at Elgin Water Softener Corporation, Elgin IL as a Tool Maker, Shop Foreman, Development Engineer, and Plant Superintendent. He later worked as the Assistant to the General Manager of Punch Lok Corporation, Chicago IL and Masonite Corporation Research Division, St. Charles, IL as a Senior Research Engineer in the mechanical development section and Production Manager for the electro-forming operations. Later in life he worked at Precision Diamond Tool Company, Elgin IL, working at both the Diamond Tool and Wheel divisions as a Production Manager. There he also worked as a Production Equipment Designer in the research and development of new tools. Ed was a man of many talents and hobbies, in particular designing, researching and fixing mechanical things. He invented and patented a special water softener valve. He was an avid racer starting with Go-karts and later cars, personally designing and building both. He was passionate about road and drag racing Ford vehicles, especially Mustangs. He built an original hobby car of all Ford parts from bottom to top that he licensed and enjoyed driving locally in parades and around town. He was a professional musician (Hawaiian steel guitar, bass, electric and acoustic guitars) since 1948 and a member of Local Musicians Union #48 and a lifetime member of Musicians Union #680. He composed a song, copyrighted, and recorded it as a record. His band Silvertones played over 800 jobs sharing his love of music entrainment to many at weddings, clubs, parties and events. He had a deep, lifelong, love of trains and train history. He built, repaired and created model trains and train layouts and belonged to The Milwaukee Road Historical Association and various model train clubs. He was active in regional planning and development in Kane County, IL. Ed's public service to Lake Geneva included two years as Council President, and two terms as Alderman for District #3. He served on the City Plan Commission, Park Commission, Water Commission, Board of Reviewer, the Committees of Historic Preservation, Growth Management, Finance/License & Judicial, Community Action/Public Safety & Welfare, Personnel, Public Facilities, Pier and Harbors, Geneva Lake Use Committee, and the Tree Board. Until his death, Ed was ardent in preserving the local history of the railroad that helped form for the character of Lake Geneva. He worked tirelessly so generations that come may someday enjoy the Sage Street Steam Engine Service Site as a historic setting, with the motto "Save Our City". Edward is survived by his brother Robert Yaeger, Mesa, AZ, wife Nancy Yaeger, daughters Valeri (Michael)Park, Plato Center, IL and Dr. Eileen Yaeger (William Grove) and grandson Sabastian Yaeger, Ironwood, MI, one niece, three grand nieces, three great grandnieces and one great grandnephew, AZ. He was preceded in death by his only nephew Robert Michael "Mickey" Yaeger and sister-in-law Marion Yaeger. A private family service will be held Friday, July 28, 2017 with military honors immediately following. A public celebration of life will be held on Saturday August 19, 2017 2pm to 4:30pm at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lake Geneva, WI. in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family to create funding for historic Lake Geneva Railroad preservation. Steinke-Lazarczyk Funeral home proudly serving the family. Visitation Saturday, August 19th, 2017 2:00pm - 4:30pm, First Evangelical Lutheran Church - Lake Geneva 1101 Logan Street Lake Geneva, WI 53147