Jaime Rojas

Jaime Lopez Rojas, 73, passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2020, peacefully in his home surrounded by his beloved family.

Born and raised in Valparaiso, Chile, to Juan and Uberlinda.

In his early years, Jaime discovered his passion for soccer. His love for the game would eventually lead him to play semi-professional soccer in Chile and the United States. After high school Jaime was given the opportunity to fulfill another passion which was teaching. He began teaching special education in Chile for several years before coming to the United States.

In 1970 the opportunity came to travel to Los Angeles, Calif., to play soccer. It was there he met his wife, Patty. They eventually ventured back to her hometown of Winona, Minn., in 1974, and were married. Jaime continued his love for teaching and coaching soccer for 15 years. He coached for the Winona Park and Recreation WYSA, Winona Senior and Cotter High School. He retired after 31 years from Watkins, a job he truly loved.

On any winter day you would find Jaime ice fishing with his son, John, and his right-hand man/best friend, Jerry Benedict. In the summer he loved to camp at Prairie Island Campground with his grandkids. He loved music and shared that passion with his son, Jamie. His family was the most important thing to him.

Jaime loved his orange Crush soda, making his famous lemon salad, and getting his daily lotto tickets. He will be always remembered as the man with the heart of gold who would always make you laugh.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Patty (Benedict); sister, Maria Eugenia; two sons, John (Brook) Schewe and Jamie Rojas; three grandchildren, Casey, Jordan, and Taylor (Salinah) Schewe; also several family members who loved him dearly.

He was proceeded in death by his father, Juan; mother, Unberlinda; brother, Eduardo; sister, Gladiz; and, from his wife’s side, brothers, Billy, Mike, and his mother, Shirley.

Visitation will begin on Friday, January 17, 2020, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. with a memorial service to begin at 5 p.m. at Watkowski- Mulyck Funeral Home, 201 Mankato Avenue, Winona, Minn. A celebration of life will follow at the Fraternal Order Of Eagles, 210 East Fourth Street, Winona, Minn.

Online condolences or memories may be left at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.