Jaynes, Roger (1946-2010)
JAYNES, JENSEN, BENZ, STURN, HANSEN
Posted By: Colleen J Ossman (email)
Date: 2/10/2010 at 22:08:48
Webster City Freeman Journal, Webster City, Iowa, 10 February 2010
Roger Jaynes, age 63, of Oshkosh, [Wisconsin] 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, [Wisconsin] 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.
Hamilton Obituaries maintained by Lynn McCleary.
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