James "Jim" Rolbiecki

To watch the recording of Jim's service, click the following link: https://youtu.be/bTl4KV71koY

The funeral service for James “Jim” Rolbiecki, 71, of Minneota, will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 18, 2022, at the Minneota Public School.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the school.  Casual or Minneota apparel recommended.  A private family interment will take place at St. Edward Catholic Cemetery in Minneota at a later date.

James Albert “Jim” Rolbiecki was born on January 28, 1951, in Arcadia, WI, to Harry and Esther (Korpal) Rolbiecki.  He grew up in “God’s Country” as Jim used to say and graduated from Arcadia High School.  Jim obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in History from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota in Winona.  He taught for one year at Cathedral Grade School and coached at Cotter High School in Winona.  In 1975, he moved to Minneota where he was an educator in and out of the classroom for 36 years.  “Mr. R” enthusiastically and passionately taught Social Studies at Minneota High School for 36 years.  Educating and coaching kids wasn’t just what he did – it was who he was.  He was truly committed to his belief of “it’s for the kids.”  Jim also coached many sports and was especially proud to have started the Minneota Softball program in 1983 and to have coached football for several years including the successful 80s glory days where tradition began.  On August 10, 1973, Jim was united in marriage to Rebecca “Becky” Kostner.  To this couple were born children John and Jami.  Jim’s greatest joy was his family, especially his three grandchildren:  Landon, Natalee and Abigail.  He also enjoyed many activities including golf, hunting, fishing, playing cribbage, doing crossword puzzles and watching Wheel of Fortune.

After a seven month journey with cancer, Jim died on Sunday, September 11, 2022, surrounded by family and under the care of hospice at his home in Minneota.  He is survived by his wife, Becky, son John (and Karen) Rolbiecki, daughter Jami (and Bruce) Bossuyt, grandchildren Landon, Natalee and Abigail, all of Minneota; sister Maryanne Nathe and special niece Katie Waite and special mentor and non-blood brother, Ralph Hagen.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Sylvia Chupita, and brother James Rolbeicki.

Memorials will be used for an annual scholarship in Jim's honor.