Carl S. “Steve” Jaeger (IABE '55) 

November 30, 1932 – June 30, 2016 

Carl Stephenson “Steve” Jaeger (IABE ’55), a former US Army Ranger and one of the first alumni of his generation to support the Iowa Beta chapter in 2012, entered the Chapter Eternal on June 30 at Ramsey Village in Des Moines, Iowa.  He was age 83.  

Jaeger was born November 30, 1932 in Des Moines and was a resident there for most of his entire life.  He was the son of the late Carl and Lurene (Stephenson) Jaeger. He attended the University of Iowa, where he pledged the Iowa Beta chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and was initiated into the fraternity on October 14, 1951.  He received badge number 81651.    

Jaeger was a multiple SAE legacy.  His father was a co-founder of the Iowa Delta chapter at Drake University and received his SAE active badge from Billy Levere.  Jaeger was also lifelong friends with the late Eminent Supreme Archon Lou Smith (IADE ’51). 

"When I went through rush in Fall 1953, I visited three or four fraternities at on the Iowa campus and SAE, quite obviously, was one of the houses," said Tom Mau (IABE '57).  After the third visit, Steve pulled me aside and said, 'SAE is the best house on campus bar none and leads in all the categories.  SAE is the fraternity for you and we'd welcome you.'  Short, sweet, friendly and heartfelt.  I pledged SAE and Steve became my pledge father. 

 "Steve mentored me in many areas and thanks to him I have many lifelong Iowa Beta brothers.  He was strong and tough, honest and caring.  He was lifelong dedicated SAE, an American patriot, and a True Gentleman.  Phi Alpha, Steve!  You will be missed." 

 After graduation from Iowa, Jaeger served as a sergeant in the US Army Rangers.  For the rest of his life, Steve would be actively supporting the Rangers.  During his working years, he was employed as Metallurgical Sales Engineer. 

 His hobbies included home remodeling and he lived across the street from his boyhood home.  He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and was a great lover of animals.  Jaeger was a member of the Lutheran church.  He was an avid Hawkeyes fan and proudly supported the Iowa Beta chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and its alumni association. 

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Brother Steve Jaeger," said Iowa Beta Alumni Association president Marc Rosenow (IABE '86).  "Steve was one of the very first alumni supporters of the Iowa Beta Alumni Association in 2012.  He was a generous contributor and a great friend. 

 "Regular readers of our newsletter will recognize that Steve was quoted several times over the years.  He would often call or write to provide a word of encouragement or to offer sage advice.  He was looking forward to coming to Iowa City in the fall for the colony ceremony and the official rebirth of Iowa Beta.  He was so pleased to learn that we are restarting the chapter with 25 young men of the highest character. 

 "Everyone who knew Steve held him in the highest esteem and regarded him as the consummate True Gentleman.  On behalf of all Iowa Beta alumni, we send our deepest condolences to Steve's family, fraternity brothers and friends." 

 Steve Jaeger is survived by his children, Kristin (Steve) Mullin and Stuart (Sarah) Jaeger; his grandchildren, Erin and John Mullin and Jack and Grace Jaeger; and his beloved dog, Stryker.  Steve was preceded in death by his parents. 

 “May the memory of his good deeds and the example of his noble life ever abide with us as a lasting heritage throughout all succeeding generations.”
 -- The Ritual of Sigma Alpha Epsilon