Leon "Lee" R. Jager

Leon “Lee” Jager passed away peacefully, after a long illness, Saturday, August 31, 2024, at home with his wife, Luann and his dog, Jinx while watching his beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers win. 

A funeral service will be 10:30 am Monday, September 9, 2024, at Christy-Smith Funeral Homes, 1801 Morningside Ave., with visitation one hour prior. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. The family has requested that attendees dress casually.

Leon “Lee” Jager was born to Herman and Elizabeth (Fey) Jager on June 20, 1943, in Wakefield, NE. He was raised on the family farm where he developed his strong work ethic. He graduated from Emerson High School in 1960. 

After graduation, Lee worked construction including the project of building IBP Dakota City and eventually as Superintendent of Construction. Lee traveled for work often. He lived in Pasco Washington, Wichita Kansas, Momence Illinois, Knoxville Tennessee, Amarillo Texas before coming back home and settling in Sioux City. He was a great story-teller and had entertaining memories of his travels. Lee began working for Industrial Diversified Inc. in 1984, later becoming owner until his retirement. Working was such a part of him that he never truly retired.

Lee married the love of his life, Luann Hamar on August 10, 2002, in Las Vegas, NV. They made their home in Sioux City, Iowa and enjoyed working, traveling, and spending time with friends and family including their dogs. They also loved cheering on their favorite teams, the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Kansas City Chiefs and cruising in Lee’s fully restored ‘65 Mustang Convertible or one of their other Fords.

Lee had the kindest, most generous heart and a quiet strength about him that was admired by everyone who loved him. He rescued many dogs (who were more like children) and loved to tell stories about them. Lee was very intelligent and a solid teammate in playing any kind of trivia game. He had a great sense of humor and always knew how to bring a laugh. Lee raised his kids to be strong, hard-working, successful adults, just like him. 

Left to honor Lee are his wife, Luann; son, Todd (Anne) Jager, North Sioux City, SD; son, Judd (Lynn) Jager, Dakota City, NE; daughter, Angela (Alan) Van Diemen, Dakota Dunes, SD; step-daughter, Christene Hamar, Houston, TX; grandchildren, Jenni (David) Ebner, Jordan Jager, Georgie (Nathan) Warnock, Jess Jager, Alex Jager, Donovan Hamar, Brynn Van Diemen, Cason Van Diemen; mother-in-law, Deb Hamar; brothers, Richard (Jeannette) Jager, Robert Jager; brother-in-law, Bobby (Nancy) Hamar; sister-in-law, Jodi (Rory) Doughty; uncle, Donald Fey; four great-grandsons, one great-grand-daughter, and several nieces and nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Elizabeth; his father-in-law, Darold Hamar; and sisters-in-law, Sherry Monk, and Josephine Jager.

We love you and we will carry your memory in our hearts always.