Rudolph DeJaegher

Rudolph Henry “Rudy” DeJaegher, age 83 of St. Johns, MI (formerly of Lansing, then Perrinton, MI) passed away Monday, August 21, 2017 at Grace Haven Assisted Living, St. Johns, MI.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2017 from 2-4 p.m. at Riley Township Hall.

Rudolph was born in Lansing, MI on June 20, 1934 the son of Frederick and Godelieve (Vens) DeJaegher.  He spent his early life living in between Belgium and Michigan.  His mother enrolled him to attend kindergarten at the age of five in Lansing as was expected, however the school asked him to return after he learned English because all he could speak was Flemish.  He went on and graduated from Sexton High School.  Rudy retired from General Motors in 1996.

He is survived by his former wife Judy DeJaegher of Sedona, AZ, 3 sonsl; Steve and Yvonne DeJaegher of St. Johns, MI, David DeJaegher of Lansing, MI, Barry and Natalie DeJaegher of Lansing, MI, 6 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren.  Rudy was preceded in death by his parents, son Kenneth DeJaegher and his sister Mary DeJaegher Blondia.

Rudy loved his fishing trips on Lake Erie, deer hunting with his sons, scuba diving adventures in the Caribbean and other tropical regions.  He also enjoyed hiking and jeeping during the winters in Gold Canyon, Arizona.  Rudy will be remembered as a card shark at playing Euchre, he would try to get a game going whenever or wherever he could.  Rudy enjoyed life fully.

Memorial Contributions in Rudy's honor may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.  Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes-Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.