Robert "Bob" Lee Cheney

Robert "Bob" Cheney of Motley passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at his home. He was 77 years old.

A funeral service will take place at the Motley Free Methodist Church on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at 11:00 AM. Visitation will take place Monday, February 20, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the church, and will continue the day of the funeral at the church from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM.

Both visitations and the funeral will take place at the church.

Robert Lee Cheney was born on October 5, 1945, one of four children of Grant and Mary (Covert) Cheney of Minneapolis. As most know him, Bob grew up in the country helping to raise various animals on the farm. He was active in the 4H and FFA. His family remembers when he showed his big hog at the state fair, with everyone stopping to admire its grandeur. By the age of 13, Bob mastered the gears of a semi and started hauling for his dad. Bob graduated from high school in 1964, then enlisted in the United States Army, serving our country during the Vietnam Era. When Bob returned from the war, he also worked maintenance for the city of Minnetonka and obtained his CDL, and officially started driving for his dad, Cheney’s Inc., drove for Roadway Global and completed his career with 24 years at Morey’s, retiring in 2016 at the age of 70. During his driving career, he took time off to go to auctioneer school. He worked for the New York Mills car auction for three years while still driving for Morey’s. He had found his new love for all auctions during this process and rarely missed a weekly auction and has a farm full of treasures to show his love.

While stationed in Colorado, you could find Bob on his weekends off bucking broncs at a dude ranch. Bob was married in his younger years, and although the marriage did not last, he became a father to four amazing children, Robert Jr., Brad, Ben, and Kristine. Bob was a fan of all holidays, Halloween being his favorite to decorate for the kids. He worked tirelessly on his bountiful garden, flower garden, and flower beds.  Watching Nascar got his heart revving with excitement!

One night while out with friends at his parent’s former bar the Ten-hi in Motley, Bob helped save a young lady, by asking her to dance. He found his dancing partner for life that night. Bob and Marge Tepley were united in marriage on July 10, 1999, at the St, Isidore’s Catholic Church. The couple made their own “funny farm” in rural Motley. Their Scottish Highland cattle, sheep, draft horses, dogs, you name it, they were welcome. The couple enjoyed their labor of love. In the evenings if they were not out dancing, they settle up to the table of puzzle pieces. For twenty-four years, their weekends in the summers were filled with CT Pedal Pulls, making it happen all around the state for various fairs and community events. On February 17, 2020, Bob broke his back while cutting trees. His life drastically changed from that day forward. He slowly regained his abilities with the help of nursing aides and Marge taking care of him.

This man of many talents left us on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at the age of 77. He leaves behind his loving wife, Marge; children, Brad (Danielle) Cheney, Ben Cheney, Kristine (Chad) Bohl; daughter-in-law, Veronique Cheney; eight grandchildren; Siblings, Judy (Skip) Lisle, Les (Trish) Cheney, Jeff Cheney; in-laws Rick (Dawn) Adamietz, Jan (Tim) Shea, Rita (Tom) Esterl, Bonnie (Donn) Milbrandt, Carol (Ron Peterson) Adamietz, Ron (Michelle) Adamietz, Cathie Prescott Adamietz; many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends he has met along the way. He joined in heaven his son, Robert “Bobby” Jr., his parents, Grant and Mary Cheney; and brother-in-law, Jim Adamietz.

Pray for the people who struggle with mental illness and the surviving families of suicide. If you are having suicidal thoughts or idea’s, you can call the suicide hotline 988.

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