MICHAEL S. JAJE

MICHAEL S. JAJE

     Michael Stephen Jaje, was born March 11, 1959, in Milwaukee, WI, and moved to Neillsville at the age of 11. He is predeceased by his father, Henry J. (Steve) Jaje (1966), and mother, Beulah Iverson Jaje (1976). The youngest of four children to Beulah Jaje; his last surviving sibling is Judith (Wildish) Cancellier, Milwaukee, WI. Michael passed of natural causes May 24, 2023. He leaves behind his wife of 34 years, Dora Jaje, and son Stephen John Jaje, 19. He was uncle to many nieces and nephews and a friend to all who met him. 

     While in high school, “Mike” was an academically strong student, National Honor Society and Badger Boys State. Cousins Barbara and Ellis Stoll took him into their home to complete his last year of high school after his mother’s death before attending college. Michael later paid his expenses working in the forestry industry while earning a bachelor of science degree at the University of Minnesota (1984) in forest ecology.

     In 1981, after joining the U.S. Army Reserve officer training program, Mike was commissioned an Army 2nd Lieutenant. Later, he continued his education, earning a master’s degree in management (1993) and a master’s degree in business administration (1995), receiving honors in both.

     Michael and Dora met during his first duty station at Fort Campbell, KY. They were married May 28, 1988. While their many assignments took them all over the world, it was while living in Bangkok Thailand that a son joined their family in June 2005, Stephen John Chedsadaphong Jaje; and baby made three. Stephen has signed with the U.S. Army and will pursue a career beginning as a 2nd Lieutenant once graduating from Radford University, VA. Dora remains a retired accountant and “old crusty Army wife” after following Michael to various adventures around the globe.

     As a member of the United States Armed Forces, Mike served as a lieutenant colonel in the infantry operations career field. In 2012, he retired after 31 years of service. He served overseas in Egypt, Australia, Thailand, Japan and various stateside assignments; he also had combat tours in Iraq. His awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, 4th OLC; Meritorious Service Medal, 3rd OLC; Army Commendation Medal 2nd OLC; Joint Service Achievement Medal, 2nd OLC; and the Army Achievement Medal, 1st OLC. He also earned the Expert Infantryman’s Badge; Senior Parachutist Badge; Air Assault Badge; and attended Jumpmaster School. At the time of his retirement, he served as chief, soldier branch, maneuver, aviation, soldier division, army capabilities integration center, HQ and U.S. Army training and doctrine command, Fort Eustis, VA. Upon death, he served as operations research analyst, training support analysis and integration directorate, army training support center, Fort Eustis, Virginia. His family will continue to live in Virginia.

     A traditional military service will be held June 15, 2024, at the Columbia Cemetery, Township of Hewitt, Neillsville at 4 p.m. Prior to urn placement, a gathering of friends and family will be held at a nearby cabin in Merrillan. For those wishing to attend, please email dorajaje@yahoo.com for details of the reception.