Gerald Haegele

Haegele, Gerald John "Jag"

Gerald John "Jag" Haegele, 81, Algoma, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 15, 2011. Born on Oct. 22, 1929, to John and Clara (Shillin) Haegele, he will be remembered for his unwavering passion, dedication and love for his hometown of Algoma, Wis. On Aug. 6, 1955, Jag married Isabel Hanson, the mother of his six children. His life's journey took many twists and turns, but the love he possessed for his family remained deeply rooted and constant until the very end. A kind, humble and fun-loving man with a great sense of humor, Jag was an avid sports enthusiast and quite the athlete in his younger days. He entered the U.S. Army on March 6, 1951 and proudly served his country until Feb. 21, 1953. An entrepreneur, self-taught artist, promoter and visionary, he may be best recognized for the sign and billboard company he founded over 60 years ago, now known as "Jag Outdoor Advertising". His heart especially reached out to "Mom & Pop" businesses and he worked tirelessly to promote and help them succeed. Jag possessed an unbelievable work ethic, positive attitude and drive to inspire, create and promote businesses and tourism throughout northeast Wisconsin, but particularly for Algoma. One of the first "Shanty Days" honorees, Jag played an instrumental role in the planting of the coho salmon in Lake Michigan, charter fishing and the boardwalk as well as the development of Algoma Marine, the Captain's Table Restaurant, Harbor Inn Motel and River Hills Estates. Ahead of its time, one of his favorite and most proud creations was "Living Lakes Expo", a Disney-like, animated and interactive attraction that educated and entertained young and old alike about the history of the Great Lakes through talking and singing fish, seagulls and ghostly sea captains. A primary catalyst and loyal supporter the latter years of his life, the Farm Market Kitchen Incubator was another worthy endeavor near and dear to his heart. This facility on the Algoma lake shore was named in his honor and dedicated to him; a surprise honor that meant very much to him.

His accomplishments are many and stem way beyond those mentioned above, but his greatest joy was his family. Predeceased by his parents, loving son, Joseph, grandson, Ben Delain and son-in-law, Gary Brackeen, Jag is survived by his five daughters: Jane (Robert) Sweasy, Carrie Brackeen, Mary Jo (Steve) Liesch, Rebecca (Peter) Delain and Jennifer (Patrick) Heil; Grandchildren are Mary (Dave) Licklider and Michelle (Chris) Heidmann, Rob and Tamara Sweasy, Tyler Brackeen, Alexa and Anna Liesch, Paul Delain, Patrick Jr. and Isabella Heil; Great-Grandchildren include Joseph Haegele and Natalie Heidmann.

Jag was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church where many special memories were established for him as a young child, through the end of his life on this earth. His faith was very important to him and he did his very best to live his life in a manner pleasing to Jesus. He definitely stumbled along the way, as we all do, but his heart was always in the right place. He loved his God, family, employees and business partners and truly did strive to have a positive impact on the life of every single person he knew.

A very heartfelt thank you goes out to those who have "been there" for Dad. You know who you are! Special gratitude to the loving and kind folks at Unity Hospice and Bay Road Place for making Dad's last months and days as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. What a blessing you were!

Please note change of venue: Friends may call at the Schinderle Funeral Home, (not St. Mary Church) 1600 Schinderle Lane, Hwy 54, Algoma, Wednesday, July 20, from 3 p.m. until time of prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will also occur at St. Mary Catholic Church, 118 Church St., Algoma, on Thursday, July 21, from 9 a.m. until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., Father William Swichtenberg officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Farm Market Kitchen, 520 Parkway Avenue, Algoma, WI 54201

Family and friends may sign the online guest book at www.schinderle.com.