Donald G. “Don” Jaberg, 89, of Peru, passed away at 7:05 A.M., Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at Blair Ridge Health Campus. He was born in Peru on March 24, 1936, the son of George W. and Margaret E. (Anderson) Jaberg. He and the former Judith K. “Judy” Arland were married on February 20, 1965 and celebrated their diamond anniversary (60 years) this year. She survives. His dad and mom were proud farmers and a main influence on his character and ideals. Working the family farm during his youth and teenage years, instilled values that followed him throughout his life. He never backed away from a hard day’s work and was always there to lend a hand to others in need. Of course, many of them were blessed with the words, “Put it in park, Pauline!” when he decided they needed to take it easy and listen to his words of wisdom. Actually, there wasn’t a certain set of people who got to hear those words - if you were ever told to “put it in park,” consider yourself lucky and loved. His sense of humor was abundant - a little sly, sometimes blue, but always infectious and genuine. The years of smiles and laughter will be felt by many for years to come. Don was a 1955 graduate of Peru High School. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy and served aboard the USS Saratoga and received the Good Conduct Medal for his service. Following his discharge from the US Navy, he was hired by NIPSCO in Peru and retired from there after 39 years of service in 1998. After his retirement, he could be found back at the old family homestead where he enjoyed the calm and quiet afforded by the isolation and memories established at the farm. Don was able to serve in positions over the years that allowed him to give back to his many hobbies and passions. Some of those include being a member of the Bunker Hill Town Board for 50 years. One of the most rewarding achievements of his time on the board was his involvement with the beginnings of the Nickel Plate Trail going through Bunker Hill, as well as his photo of a steam locomotive being used on many signs along the trail. His lifelong love of photography led to a membership and past presidency of the Peru Camera Club. He enjoyed time with the Peru Boat Club and serving as band booster president for the Maconaquah Marching Braves for 20 years - affectionately known to many band kids over the years as “Bozo.” He was a proud member of Miami County VFW Post 2067 and was active with the Miami County Military Rites Unit. Surviving in addition to his wife, Judy, are sons Robert W. Jaberg of Peru and his daughters Mercedes, Maci, and Maya; Michael J. (Stacey) Jaberg of Peru and their children Jacob, Grace, and Abby; Matthew S. (Tory See) Jaberg of California and their daughters Mila and Seren; and Jenna K. Pond, daughter of his late son, Steven P. Jaberg. Also surviving are sister Marilyn Boswell; nieces Paula Curry, Julie Dulucenay, Marcia Arland, Susan Arland, Brenda Zell, and Susan McVety-Baker; nephews Bryan Jaberg, William Boswell, David Boswell, Richard Boswell, Mark Arland, David Arland, Andy Arland, Tom Arland, and Drew Arland. In addition to his son, Steven, he was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Francis (Les) McVety and John (Jane) Jaberg, nieces Barbara Hiers and Laura “Red” Golder. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Donald G. Jaberg will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at St. Charles Catholic Church, 58 W. 5th St, Peru, IN with Father Michael Block officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by members of the Miami County Military Rites Unit. Family and friends will gather from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM on September 8, 2025 at Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 W. Main St, Peru, IN. There will be a Prayer Service at 8:00 PM after the viewing. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made through the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home to St. Charles Catholic Church or Guardian Angel Hospice.
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Donald G. “Don” Jaberg, 89, of Peru, passed away at 7:05 A.M., Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at Blair Ridge Health Campus. He was born in Peru on March 24, 1936, the son of George W. and Margaret E. (Anderson) Jaberg. He and the former Judith K. “Judy” Arland were married on February 20, 1965 and celebrated their diamond anniversary (60 ye