Jason R. Waege, age 41, of Tomah, passed away on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at home surrounded by his family after a year long battle with Ewing Sarcoma. He was born on October 3, 1983, the son of Gary and Susan (McClelland) Waege.
Jason met the love of his life Ashley (Anderson) in 2007, and the two were married on April 21, 2012. On September 24, 2018, Jason and Ashley welcomed their sweet little girl, Emmalynn Grace, into their family. Emmalynn and Jason cherished their time together digging for worms, sledding, and just talking. Jason and Ashley made many memories over the years while traveling, fishing, and simply talking and drinking morning coffee while reading the Bible. Their family enjoyed the simple everyday moments. Next to marrying Ashley, becoming Emmalynn’s daddy was his greatest pride.
Jason graduated from Tomah High School in 2002, and then attended Wyoming Technical College for Diesel Mechanic learning skills he would use throughout his life. He went on to pursue a logging career which he enjoyed for several years. In 2014, he started working for Ocean Spray Cranberries where his colleagues respected him for his strong work ethic and his ability to bring a sense of calm to any situation. He was known for his practical skills and his willingness to lend a hand whenever needed.
Jason was a family man rooted in his faith in Christ. He was a devoted husband and father knowing these were his biggest responsibilities, and he didn’t take these roles lightly. He took his role seriously as the spiritual leader of his family. Even when he barely had strength he made sure Emmalynn knew the gospel. He had courage to share his faith with others with respect and kindness. One of his first statements after being diagnosed was, “Jesus already saved me once. He’ll save me again either here or in Heaven.” Jason enjoyed attending Faith Evangelical Free Church in Sparta, with Ashley and Emmalynn. He was active in the men’s group and drew much encouragement from them. He looked forward to family get-togethers and making others laugh. Jason had such special relationships with his family and friends.
Jason received the gift he wanted more than anything hearing, “Well done good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your master.” Jason’s life verse was, “As it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:20-21.
Jason fought hard throughout his cancer journey with courage beyond comprehension. He suffered greatly and complained little, always focusing on the blessings that surrounded him. He will be missed beyond words, but his love and examples will always remain. He is now healed and free of pain forever.
He is survived by his loving wife, Ashley, who was his partner and best friend; his daughter Emmalynn, who was the light of his life and his greatest pride; his mother, Sue, and his brother, Brent. His father-in-law and mother-in-law Dave and Barb Anderson of Wilton. Sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Karen Anderson of Tomah; Scott (Jenny) Anderson of Wilton; Kim (Travis) Libbey of Bloomer; Heather (Steve) Dougherty of Fall Creek; Michelle (Tommy) Sayer; Shannon (Patrick) Rohlfing all of Tomah. His nieces and nephews Garrett Anderson; Tyler, Hannah, Carson and Jaxton Libbey; Anna and Andrew Dougherty; and Avery Sayer as well as many other relatives and friends.
Jason was preceded in death by his father, Gary; his maternal grandparents Donald and Joanne McClelland; and paternal grandparents Fredrick and Deloris Waege.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at the Faith Evangelical Free Church, 6644 State Hwy 16, Sparta, WI 54656. Pastor Brian Young will officiate. Family and friends are invited for visitation on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah, as well as on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Wednesday. The Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family, where an account has been established in Jason’s daughter, Emmalynn’s, name.
Torkelson Funeral Home
