Ronald Maurice Jaeger

Ronald Maurice Jaeger, age 72 of Rocklin, California passed away April 18, 2016. Ron was born on January 6, 1944 in Timberlake, South Dakota, the son of Valentine and Mathel (Springer) Jaeger. He was a registered member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe of Eagle Butte South Dakota. Ron attended Sacred Heart High School in Miles City, Montana, studied at formerly Eastern Montana College in Billings, Montana, where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree. He also held a Master's Degree in Education from Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. Ron then began a 34 year career with the Bureau of Indian Affairs: he taught on the Navajo Reservation in Rock Point, Arizona; was appointed Education Program Specialist in Aberdeen, South Dakota; then promoted to Education Program Administrator for the Papago Reservation in Tucson, Arizona; he then became the Director of Training with the Office of Technical Assistance and Training (OTAT) in Brigham City, Utah; he also held the title of Agency Superintendent for Central California Agency in Sacramento, California. The culmination of his career is when he was appointed to BIA Regional Director – Pacific Region, also in Sacramento, California, from which he retired in 2003. During his tenure, in 1998, the President of the United States of American issued Ron the rank of Distinguished Executive in the Senior Executive Service for sustained extraordinary accomplishment in management programs of the United States Government and for leadership exemplifying the highest standards of service to the public, reflecting credit on the career civil service. He was the first native American to receive this distinguished award. Following his retirement, Ron continued to show his loyalty and dedication to the Indian Community as Tribal Gaming Commissioner to the United Auburn Indian Tribe and Thunder Valley Casino.

In his free time Ron enjoyed golfing, cooking, boating, riding his Harley, spending quality time with his family, and cheering on the Dallas Cowboys.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of fifty years, LeeAnn Jaeger; three daughters: Heather Jaeger of Roseville, CA; Jennifer Jaeger (Bethie) of Sacramento, CA; Jaci Russell (John) of Rocklin, CA; five grandchildren: Karlee; Lily; Paige; Reese; and Trace; four brothers: Jerry (Darlene) Milbank, SD; Robin (Jean) Grandview, WI; Rich Jaeger of MT; Mike Jaeger of Butte, MT; one sister Connie June Goldade (Joe) Miles City, MT; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was greatly loved and will be missed by all.