Remembering Jeremy: A Life of Joy

Please consider honoring Jeremy’s life with a donation which will be used by Angela, Jacob & Zoe as they begin their “2nd life.” Thank you!

After a 2.5 year heroic fight with cancer, Jeremy Mauger died on Sunday evening surrounded by family, friends and good music.

Jeremy leaves behind so many people who love him - which he made very easy to do! His dogged pursuit of his passions in life made him immensely, joyful company. He was endlessly curious - always teaching himself new things. He was a quick wit, a delightful storyteller and always ready to make you laugh. It was never a boring evening spending time with Jeremy. Whether you only knew him for an afternoon or decades you couldn’t avoid being touched by his curiosity and delightful - often self deprecating - humor.

Long before his diagnosis, Jeremy lived a grateful life. It’s one of the silver linings in the tragedy of a wonderful life cut short. He always pursued his passions, maximized joy and deeply valued the people he loved. He earned his PhD which fueled his insatiable curiosity and dedication to learning, a testament to his intellect and love for discovery. When he first met his wife, Angela, he immediately recognized a sparkly soul who shared the same deep wonder of the world, plus she made him laugh deeply. She photo bombed him while getting a picture taken with friends at a wedding and when she walked away laughing he knew had to ask her out. After a year of long distance flirtation through writing, along with using every excuse he could to visit her in Milwaukee (mutual friend’s birthday, concerts, etc) he took a leap of faith and moved to Milwaukee for grad school and “to see if he could get the girl.” He wasted zero time and they had their first date 2 days after he moved and got married in Grand Teton National Park on the 2 year anniversary of their first date. Their marriage was absolutely filled with laughter. Not one single day went without incredibly gut busting laughter.

With Jeremy, there was nothing that couldn’t be elevated to a whole new level. For example, knowing his son, Jacob, likes treasure hunts Jeremy turned an entire day of the family vacation into an all island treasure hunt based on a character he created named Caxambus Pete replete with worn out paper clues and messages in bottles. And when he noticed that his daughter, Zoe, shared his passion for music, he regularly taught himself the lyrics to new songs for them to sing at bedtime. They often turned into lovely duets, sometimes with choreography.

Thanksgiving was his favorite holiday. It was filled with all the things he loved. He loved spending time cooking great food for people. And delighted in hosting them so they truly felt welcome & comfortable. It is another silver lining that his death anniversary will always be associated with a time for gathering with loved ones, laughter, music and good food.

Here’s an excerpt from his letter to the children. It’s great advice for all of us plus it’s lovely to read his words.

• Learn everything that you can. Knowing things is its own reward but it also makes life more interesting. The more you know, the more connections you’ll see in the world. The more connections you see, the more you’ll understand how closely everything and everyone is tied together.

• Be funny. This has been one of the great joys of my life. Making people laugh makes them feel good and it’ll make you feel good too. Just as important, looking for the funny things around you will help you appreciate how ridiculous, bizarre and wonderfully flawed we all are. Being funny and laughing will help you cope with the saddest things in life too.

• Listen to good music. Take enjoyment in finding the music that moves YOU! If you get goosebumps from a song or if it makes you dance involuntarily, then it’s good. You’ll be a happier person every time you find one of the songs that has this effect on you!

• Don’t be cynical. It’s all too easy to think that you know everything or, worse, that the world is a mess and doesn’t deserve your interest. Find wonder in your life because there’s nothing mundane or boring about the time we’re given. Trust me, there’s something magical and profound in every moment if you just let yourself find it.

Be happy, love your lives, love each other and have fun!

In addition to Angela, Jacob and Zoe, Jeremy leaves behind countless friends who have shown up to share love, laughter and help in large & small ways - all important - during the last few years; his parents Karen (Knapp) and John Mauger who have steadfastly supported him throughout his life and shown exceptional love during his cancer battle; his in-laws David and Christine Fingard who shared many hysterical moments and absolutely cared for and love him like a son; his brother Jeff, sister-in-law Jenn and their incredible kiddos Alexander and Addison; and an extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins who will miss him dearly.