Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Roger Jaynes
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Roger Jaynes, age 63, of Oshkosh, died Saturday, February 6, 2010. He was born March 6, 1946, in Iowa. Roger was adopted by Robert and Theodora Jaynes. After the death of Robert Jaynes, Roger was raised by Jens and Theodora Jensen. He was a graduate of the University of Iowa with a degree in Journalism, and started his career as a writer for the Miami Herald. Roger then went on to work for the Gannett Rockford Star, before moving on to the Milwaukee Journal, where he worked for 15 years. Roger then became the Public Relations director at Road America, the largest road course in the United States. In August of 1983 he married Mary Benz in Cedarburg. In November of 1999, Roger became the Vice-President of Communications for the E.A.A. in Oshkosh. In 2005, he accepted a position with the Fields of Honor Military Veterans Museum. During his career he won over forty-five writing awards. In 1977, he was named number one sports writer in the nation by Associated Press for his coverage of Marquette University's NCAA Men's championship game. Roger had a long affiliation with Al McGuire. He authored four books; a biography of Al McGuire and three Sherlock Holmes mysteries. Prior to his death, Roger was still working on four separate novels. Roger had a love of auto racing. He was one of twelve writers who picked the driver of the year for motor sports. Through his career he covered the Indy 500, Daytona 500, Marquette basketball, Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, and the New York Yankees spring training in Florida. Through his work at Road America Roger became friends with Gov. Tommy Thompson. He also made friendships with many of the best known race car drivers. Roger was a member of the Auto Racing Writers of America, and the West Side Association in Oshkosh. Roger was an avid reader and was a major history buff.
Roger is survived by his wife, Mary Jaynes, of Oshkosh; one son, Mick Jaynes, of Cedarburg; two step-children and their families, Carrie (Ron) Sturn, of West Bend, and children, Braden and Elise; Mark (Gwen) Benz, of West Bend, and children Liam and Jace; a half-sister, Donna Hansen, of Iowa; and many friends, wonderful neighbors, and other relatives.
Along with his parents, Roger was also preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey.
Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held on Friday, February 12, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at Mueller Funeral Home, Winneconne, with Pastor Dan Gibson officiating. A Visitation for family and friends will be on Friday at the funeral home from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Winneconne Christian Fellowship Building Fund.
Mueller Funeral Home
904 E. Main St. P.O. Box 250
Winneconne, WI 54986
(920) 582-4242
Please submit online condolences to
www.muellerfuneralhomeinc.com
Kara (Daughter) Pressley-Mittelstaedt wrote on June 25, 2010
Dearest Papa, I just wanted you 2 know how much I missed you this Father's Day, and everyday for that matter. You are always on my (our) mind(s), and always in our heart. Missing you always Papa, I love you. Love, daughter
Julia Jochman Marchant wrote on February 16, 2010
Mary, my love and prayers to you. I thought the world of Roger and feel blessed to have known (and shared such great times) with you both.
Frank Rigas wrote on February 12, 2010
Mary and family, my heartfelt condolences. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I will forever be grateful and a better person for knowing Roger, who took a chance and hired a fresh-out-of-college-with-no-auto-racing-experience individual to work with him at Road America in the early 1990s. I learned more from Roger in those two years at the track than in four years of college. He was more than a boss, but a friend, who continued to be part of my life through the years and will be in my thoughts. God bless, Roger.
Nancy Chuck wrote on February 11, 2010
I enjoyed reading Roger's race columns for many, many years. He was also a good friend and supporter of Wisconsin Fans for Auto Racing. Roger worked at RA when I was employed at ICR Publications; he was my contact person for advertising/vendor displays and always a joy to work with. It was racing's loss when he left to work for the EAA. He was a special man who will be missed by many. My condolences to all of his family and friends. May your memories bring you comfort at this sad time and always.
Bruce Abraham wrote on February 11, 2010
Mary & family...my most sincere condolences to all of you. I was so saddened and shocked to see the news of Roger's passing. As a avid reader of Roger's wonderful work at the Milwaukee Journal and his Al McGuire book, I know we have lost an extremely gifted writer/author/human being. When I met him, a second time with Mary, at Festival foods a couple of years ago, we had a wonderful conversation where I learned of his other writings. He will be missed. God's love and grace to all of his family.
David Wehrwein wrote on February 10, 2010
Mary, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I also knew Roger through Road America, and he was a pleasure to work with. I have very fond memories of Roger, and I will treasure them always.
Tim Van Vooren wrote on February 9, 2010
Roger was supremely talented as a writer, but always impressed me with his people skills and positive perspective during his time at Road America. He will be missed.
Jon De Master wrote on February 9, 2010
Mary and family, I'm sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working and learning from Roger during his time at Road America. Its funny I just stumbled appon a picture of him and Carrol Shelby that I took. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Jon
Michael Gauger wrote on February 9, 2010
I am sorry to read of Roger's death. Roger and I were colleagues on The Milwaukee Journal sports staff in the 1980s. I send my condolences to his family.
Brian Nevins wrote on February 9, 2010
I worked with Roger at the EAA. I always found him to be a kind and pleasant man and a gifted writer. I was sorry to hear of his passing. My payers are with his family.
Pete Leydorf wrote on February 9, 2010
Dear Jaynes Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Roger.
As a former track observer at the Milwaukee Mile, I had the opportunity and pleasure to get to know Roger. We became race track friends, and, it was always good to see him and talk racing. May he rest in peace.
Carrie Rutledge wrote on February 8, 2010
I have spent alot of time today thinking back on the few summers I spent working at Road America for Roger. He was truly a wonderful person to work for. While he was always a professional, he had this twinkle in his eye and great sense of humor. He will be missed by many people. My condolences to the family.
Kara Pressley-Mittelstaedt (Daughter) wrote on February 8, 2010
My dearest Papa, I will miss more than you'll ever know. I will miss your smiles, your stories & your hugs, along with a million other things. We all love you soooo much, & we will miss you dearly, my heart aches for your "sweetie" Mary, & for the rest of your family & friends, my heart aches for the the loss of you as well, my dear, dear Papa. I love you forver. Your Daughter, Kara
Shelley Weiss Lai wrote on February 8, 2010
Mary, Mick, Carrie and Mark - I am so sorry for your loss. Roger was a wonderful man and I really enjoyed working with him all those years at RA. I will always have the fondest memories of "Oger." You are in my thoughts and prayers. Shelley
sue berce wrote on February 8, 2010
Roger, make sure to find Steve for a beer and a tale or two. No doubt you are in the same place! You are both missed.
Lisa Scholler wrote on February 8, 2010
Mary I am so sorry to hear about Roger's passing. I remember all the good times we had putting the books together over the years. Please know my thoughts and prayers are without at during this time. Lisa
Mary Lou Haen wrote on February 8, 2010
Mary:
My deepest condolences to you. Our "fun" memories of Roger will stay with us forever.
Mary Lou Haen