Jerald R. “Butch” Jahnigen

Jerald R. “Butch” Jahnigen, 93, of Osgood passed away Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at the University Hospital in Cincinnati. He was born on June 1, 1930 in the Cedar Creek Community south of Osgood to Arthur and Clara Diem Jahnigen. He was married to Helen Downey on October 21, 1950 and his wife of nearly 73 years survives.

Other survivors include two sons Gary (Pam) Jahnigen of Rushville and Gerald (Kim) Jahnigen of Osgood; 4 grandchildren Adam (Tacy) Rath of Rushville, Lyssa Rath of Indianapolis, Tyler (Britta Vance) Jahnigen of Versailles and Parker Jahnigen of Osgood; 2 great-grandchildren Braxton and Jocelyn Rath; his twin sister Jeraldine Humphrey of Osgood. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Herman and Clem Jahnigen, and his sisters Virginia Lowe and Dorothy Black.

Mr. Jahnigen was a 1948 graduate of Versailles High School. He was veteran of the Korean War, entering the Army on March 28, 1952 and rising to the rank of Corporal. Butch was discharged from the military on March 1, 1954 and for service to his country he received the Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

In civilian life Butch was a lifelong farmer and had also worked at Phillips Petroleum in Osgood. Up until just the last few months he worked at the Cox Livestock Barn near Osgood. He was a life member of the Versailles American Legion where he held various positions and participated in all aspects. The American Legion Park east of Versailles was named in his honor. He was also a past president of the Ripley County Farm Bureau. In his spare time Butch enjoyed woodworking, following the Colts, and had mastered and framed many 1,000 piece puzzles of various farm scenes.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 14 at 10:30 a.m. at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Sandy Becker of the American Legion officiating. Burial took place in the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles with military graveside rites by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation was held on Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Jahnigen Family Scholarship will be established and memorials may be given through the funeral home in Butch’s honor.