Jeffery Rothschadl

Jeff Rothschadl, age 63, of Yankton, South Dakota, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2026, at his home, next to the love of his life, his wife Gina, after a courageous 11 month battle with pancreatic cancer.

A memorial mass will be 2:00 PM on Friday, April 17, 2026, at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Yankton, South Dakota, with Reverend Thi Pham officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Yankton. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton, South Dakota, with a vigil service at 7:00 PM.

A Celebration of Jeff’s Life will be held immediately following the Mass where Jeff met his wife Gina, at the Walnut Tavern 100 W 3rd St, Yankton, South Dakota 57078. Everyone that knew Jeff is welcome to join us to celebrate his life.

Jeff was born in Bad Aibling, Germany, to John and Donna Rothschadl (Baker). He spent the majority of his life in Yankton, South Dakota, where he built a life defined by hard work and deep love for his family. Jeff worked for 25 years at Alumax, 11 years at Cimpl Meats, and Wholesale Supply.

Jeff was a man that was known by many, but only the lucky ones truly knew him. He lived his life on his own terms until the last day of his life. Jeff was a protector and provider, the strongest man his family knew, yet those closest to him knew his softer side—a bear and a teddy bear in one. He was kind, funny in his own way “Jeff-isms” and had a huge heart—always willing to help anyone, people or animals alike. He loved feeding the birds, squirrels, and deer —earning the nickname “Mr. Snow White” from his daughter. Jeff had a love for rock music, muscle cars, the Chicago Cubs, his racing days with Team 61T, and most importantly, his family. He lived by one of his favorite sayings, “strong like bull,” which reflected how he lived his life until the very end.

Jeff and Gina shared a deep connection and special love. Gina was his person—he trusted her completely and shared his heart with her in a way he did with no one else. She understood the quirks of his personality, deeply devoted to him until his last day, just as he loved her.

Raised and confirmed Catholic, Jeff held onto his faith and belief in God throughout his life.

He will be remembered most for his strength, his unique personality, his role as a provider, and the deep love he had for his family. Those who truly knew him understand that what will be missed most is simply who he was, “Roach”.

He is survived by his loving wife, Regina “Gina” Rothschadl (McDonald); his children, Holly Martinez (Daniel), John Rothschadl (Caitlin), and Trey Rothschadl; his mother, Donna Rothschadl; his sisters, Kim Vigil (Phillip) and Deborah Tschosik (Bruce); his grandchildren, Jordan Martinez, Isabella Martinez, Julian Martinez, and Ryan Rothschadl; and his loyal dog, Rizzo “Rizzy Girl.”

He was preceded in death by his father, John Rothschadl, his nephew, Tony Tschosik and his father-in-law, Larry McDonald.