Mark D. Cheney

MARK DOUGLAS CHENEY, age 52 of Madison Lake, died on Saturday, August 27, 2016 in Elysian.

Born in Fairmont on June 8, 1964, Mark was the son of Frank and Geraldine (Wildes) Cheney.  As a young man he attended school in Truman, where he was active in wrestling and football.  After graduating in 1982, he attended Jackson Vocational School where he studied auto body repair.  He worked at Jerry’s Auto Body in Mankato for many years before he opened Chunk’s Bait Shop in Elysian.  He then opened his own body shop, Chunk’s Auto Body in rural Madison Lake.  Mark was married to Judy Weinert for several years. 

Mark was an avid hunter and master fisherman.  He spent many special hours in the boat with his kids.  He loved to share fish stories with friends.  As his health declined, he perfected his cooking and grilling skills.  Many family and friends reaped the benefits of his smoked turkeys at holiday time.  His spice collection was huge, and he knew how to use each one well!  His family and friends were very precious to him.  He loved being a huge part of his kids’ lives and sharing in their achievements.  He loved bragging about his wonderful grandchildren.  Mark was a super guy with friends everywhere!  If you didn’t know him as Mark, you knew him as “Chunk” – a nickname he had for decades.  Mark also loved to can, and often shared HOT salsa with friends and neighbors. 

Mark is survived by his mother, Gerry Cheney of Cambridge; three children, Casey (Tracey) Robinson of St. Charles, Ashley Robinson of Mankato, and Zach (Fiancé Ashley Bresser) Cheney of Elysian; seven grandchildren, Broderick, Brantlee, Annie, Bella, Lexi, Ava, and River; one sister and her family, Sandy (Bruce) Paskewitz of Browerville; many cousins; and a huge host of friends.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents and his father.

Visitation will be held from 4-7PM on Thursday, September 1, 2016 at Dennis Funeral & Cremation Services in Waterville, and will continue for one hour before the service at the church on Friday.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM on Friday, September 2, 2016 at the Janesville United Methodist Church, with Rev. Kathy King officiating.  Interment will take place at Westford Cemetery in Truman at a later date.

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