Julius John Yaeger Jr.

Dr. Julius John Yaeger, Jr.

A man who truly loved a good road trip, Dr. Julius John Yaeger, Jr., 95, of Muskegon, formerly of Ewing, New Jersey, has embarked on his final journey. He passed away peacefully on Monday, October 5, 2026, in Muskegon, Michigan, following a sudden illness.

Born in Trenton, New Jersey, on September 3, 1931, to Julius and Mary (Sathmary) Yaeger, Julius lived a full and adventurous life. After graduating from Hamilton High School, he attended Ursinus College and went on to earn his Doctorate from Temple University School of Dentistry. For over 40 years, Dr. Yaeger served the community of Ewing, NJ, as a beloved family dentist in his single-chair private practice. His steady hand and kind demeanor inspired several of his patients to pursue careers in dentistry. He was a proud and longtime member of the Ewing Lions Club.

Julius was a man of many passions. He loved being on the water, whether boating, fishing, or hunting. He was an avid snow skier and, in his later years, found great joy in searching for treasures at yard sales with his dear friend, the late Bob Ruch. His independent spirit was a hallmark of his character, evident in his affection for nature, particularly the birds and squirrels he faithfully fed, and his adventurous, sometimes daring, escapades around the neighborhood on his mobility scooter.

He and his beloved wife, the late Mary Lou (Williams) Yaeger, were intrepid travelers who explored the world together, visiting every continent except Australia and Asia. Their spontaneous spirit once led them on an unplanned detour to South Dakota and on a memorable drive across the entire Trans-Canada Highway. Above all, Julius was a wonderful storyteller who loved a good joke and cherished time spent with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou; his daughter, Nancy Jane Yaeger; his parents; and his siblings, John Yaeger, Matilda Langan, and Marie Westenberger.

Julius is survived by his loving children, Mary Lee Yaeger Pierson and Julius "Jay" (Kelly) Yaeger III; his grandchildren, Amanda Lee (Hyrns) Pierson, Lawrence T. "Teddy" Pierson, Brianna Jayne Yaeger, and Gwendolyn Marie Yaeger; and his great-grandson, Finnik Pierce Hyrns; beloved family friend Ellen "Mouse" O'Neil, neighbors Ken and Terri Rutherford. He will also be fondly remembered by several loving nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to a celebration of his life on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the Wilson Apple Funeral Home, 2560 Pennington Road, Pennington, NJ. Interment will follow at the First Presbyterian Church of Ewing Cemetery. Exact time of the service will be announced soon. In memory of his love for animals, the family suggests that those who wish to make a gesture do so by placing a handful of corn on a patio table for the squirrels. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Hopewell Lions International or to the Children's Home Society of New Jersey.