Published on May 22, 2025 5:13 pm
Last Updated on May 23, 2025 9:33 am
Edward John Yager, age 84, of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 10:43AM-Wednesday, May 21, 2025, surrounded by his family at Newton Care Center in Newton, Illinois.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM- Tuesday May 27, 2025, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Newton, Illinois, with Fr. Jake White celebrating Mass. Private visitation will be held. Burial will be in the New St. Peter Cemetery near Newton, Illinois. In loving memory of Edward, memorials maybe made to the St. Thomas Catholic School. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com
Edward John was born on November 24, 1940, in Effingham, Illinois, the son of John and Emma (Bergbower) Yager. He grew up in Jasper County attending St. Thomas Catholic School. Ed graduated from Newton Community High School, Class of 1959. He proudly served his country in the United States Army.
Ed married Carol Ann Nix on February 1, 1964, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Olney, Illinois.
At the age of 16 Ed started his lifelong career at Newton IGA, then Gallo’s Red & White, Hartrich Star Market and ended over 50 years as a meat cutter at Siever’s Produce Market in Newton, Illinois. He passed his knowledge of meat cutting to his family and friends. He shared this trade with the community as well, while owning and operating Yager Deer Processing.
Together he and Carol traveled all over the United States visiting national parks and climbing lighthouses.
In retirement he found a love of woodworking, this hobby led to him making hundreds of wooden crosses that he shared with family and friends.
Ed was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Newton, Illinois. He was a 3rd Degree member and 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus #1704 and former Faithful Navigator.
Wife of 61 years- Carol Yager of Newton, Illinois
Children- Duane (Lori) Yager of Newton, Illinois and Debbie (John) Zuber of Newton, Illinois
Grandchildren- Cody Yager of Newton, Illinois; Alisha (Logan) Eubank of Effingham, Illinois and Miranda (Taylor) Cooper of Fairfield, Illinois
Greatgrandchildren- Zoie Eubank, Bryleigh Eubank, Everley Eubank and Alivia Cooper
Sister- Janet (Yager) Nix of Olney, Illinois
Edward was preceded in death by his parents.