Gerald Lee “Jary” Saeger, age 80, of Marysville, died Thursday, November 23, 2023 at The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital at The Ohio State University.
An auto mechanic by trade, he was a longtime shop supervisor at Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska.
A few years following graduation from Townville High School in Townville, Pennsylvania, Jary enlisted in the United States Air Force. From Dover Air Force Base he was transferred to Eielson AFB during the Vietnam War. Following his honorable discharge, he remained a mechanic supervisor in civil service at the base.
Upon leaving Alaska, he and his wife, Doris, moved to Pennsylvania and then Ontario, Ohio, where he was self-employed not only as a mechanic, but as an auto machinist.
He enjoyed circle track auto racing with his sons and friends. Skilled in building engines for antique vehicles and classic cars, he was most passionate about Ford engines. Working in his shop brought Jary the most happiness, aside from being devoted and spending time with his family.
He was born April 11, 1943 in Meadville, Pennsylvania, one of eleven children to the late Earl and Emma Eaton Saeger. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his siblings, Earl, Kenny, Shirley, Louise, Bob, Lloyd and Ruth.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Doris A. Goodwill Saeger, whom he married April 23, 1966 in Titusville, Pennsylvania; two sons, Stephen (Deborah) Saeger of Marysville and Robert (Julie) Saeger of Nixa, Missouri; his grandchildren, Ashley (Kevin) Davis, Emily (Garrett) Lynch, Evan Saeger, Laura (Steven) Sargent, Staphany (Adam) Wasik and Blake (Autumn) Janssens; his great-grandchildren, River, Margaret, Darin, Kenyon, Harper, Ellie Mae, Braylon, Phillip, Brantley, Henri, Elynnor and Arielle; two sisters, Marlene and Elaine; a brother, Gene (Pat); sisters-in-law, Trish (Tom) Bold, Mary (Tom) Hasbrouck and Chris (Bruce) Pergament; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Underwood Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.underwoodfuneralhome.com.