Robert McNeely

Robert McNeely, 91, of Ashby, Minnesota, passed away on June 9, 2024 surrounded by his family and many other loved ones. 

Robert ‘Bob’ Paul McNeely was born September 3, 1932 in Faribault, MN to Francis and Kathryn McNeely. Bob grew up in Robbinsdale, MN and graduated from the high school in 1950. Bob had a love for sports from a young age. When in elementary school a Nun encouraged Bob to try out for the school chorus but after hearing him sing, she told him to stick with baseball; solidifying his love for sports.

After high school Bob got his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1960 and continued on to his Master’s degree from Indiana University Northwest. Bob worked as an electrical engineer for Honeywell, retiring after 37 great years.

 Before attending college, Bob was part of the Air Force from 1952-1956, stationed mostly in Berlin, Germany as a linguist. After the military, Bob met the love of his life, Kathleen Grover of Ashby at a party in Minneapolis in 1957. They married in Ashby at the Presbyterian Church in 1959. They went on to have three children together: Pat, Miki, and Jim. After their children were born, the family moved to Indiana for 7 years years before settling in Illinois for 25 years. After retirement Bob and Kathleen moved back to Ashby to spend their time in the town they always loved.

Bob wasn’t just an electrical engineer but a beloved coach in many communities. His love for sports kept him active for many years. Bob coached youth football for 19 years in Illinois and youth baseball for 26 years in Indiana and Illinois. He went on to be the assistant coach for the Ashby Arrows Football team for 10 years. Totaling over 50 years of coaching. Bob also volunteered for the Buffalo Grove Park District for 20 years. He made such an impact on the lives of his players and the community that they dedicated a football field to him in Buffalo Grove, IL.

After moving back to Ashby, Bob became a part of other organizations besides football and baseball. He organized senior golf outings. He became a loyal member of the Lions Club and the American Legion.

Bob’s number one love in his life was his family, spending much time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoyed golfing, horse racing and casinos. Bob’s main other love in his life was the Minnesota Vikings, he was a loyal fan, even attending the very first Vikings football game in 1961 with his father, starting his love for the team. Bob and Kathleen both stayed very active after retirement, with coaching and organizations and traveling every winter for 27 years down to Orange Beach, AL on the Gulf of Mexico.

Bob was a great man who had inspired many children and families wherever he went. His love for sports was great and the love for his family was even greater. Bob will be greatly missed by everyone he has ever met.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents Francis and Kathryn McNeely, his parent-in-laws Donovan and Myrtle Grover and his grandchild Kevin McNeely.

Bob is survived by his wife of 64 years, Kathleen McNeely, his sons Patrick ‘Pat’ McNeely, Golden Valley, MN and James ‘Jim’ aka ‘Bones’ McNeely, Buffalo Grove, IL; his daughter Michele ‘Miki’ Crusius (Bill Joerns), Buffalo Grove, IL; his grandchildren: Caitlin ‘Cait’ (Justin) Rasmussen, Henry ‘Hank’ McNeely, Samantha ‘Sammy’ and Benjamin ‘Ben’ Crusius, Anthony ‘Tony’ McNeely; great grandchildren Emmie, Sophie, and Archer Rasmussen; his sister Janet Knip, and other family members; Kristin, Shawn, Carter and Carson Spangler and many other family and friends.

The family would like memorials to go to Ashby Legacy Fund and Pelican Lake Cemetery Fund.

Funeral Service is Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 2:00pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Ashby. The visitation is 1 hour prior at 1pm. 

Arrangements and Services by Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Ashby, MN.

Blessed be the memory of Bob McNeely.