Robert (Bob, Sam) Dean Pettey
Bob Pettey, 89, of Mantorville, MN, a friend to all that knew him, passed away peacefully at Methodist Campus, Mayo Clinic Hospital on Saturday, August 24, 2024, with his four children near him. He was born in Chatfield on April 16, 1935. He married Velma Brannan on June 8, 1957. After several early marriage moves, they settled on a small farm near Mantorville in 1965. Their children had the good fortune to experience a small dairy farm with every type of farm animal they could play with from chicks, puppies, piglets, sheep and many more. The greatest gift was learning compassion for these many animals, as well as exploring the nearby woodlands and river bottom.
Our dad loved nothing better than sitting at the table with coffee and friends, old or new, to share a meaningful conversation. If a meal of any kind was involved, it made the discussion all the sweeter. Dad loved carpentry. He considered the construction plan thoroughly before he would implement that plan. Both of our parents loved to go to an auction. Besides the social aspect of the sale, Dad could almost always identity the whatchamacallit that no one else had an idea of its purpose. He was a collector of many different interests. He loved to talk about hunting adventures. Dad loved to go for a long drive back to the old stomping grounds around rural Chatfield, sharing memories and tales with those in the car with him. He loved to read, watch history or national geographics on TV. Depending on the group of friends, he answered to either nickname, Bob or Sam. Sam was a childhood nickname and the one our mother always used. Dad had a clear mind, visiting with several dear friends very near to the last day. He will be missed by many.
Bob was preceded in death by both his parents, Richard and Ruth Pettey, his siblings Marvin (Catherine), Charles (Mary), Orval (Loretta), Lois Erickson (John), Catherine Taylor (William). His wife, Velma (Brannan) passed away in 2016.
He is survived by his four children, Jean Bartel (Ted), Alan (Caryn), Daniel, and Ruth. His grandchildren Nikki Miller (Ryan); Danita Hazel (Allison); Kyle Pettey (Becky); Levi Pettey (Jamie); Samantha Pettey; Amber Pettey. His great grandchildren Samuel, Elliot and Calvin Miller; Addison and Harlynn Hazel; Axel, Harlyn and Reagan Pettey.
Dad was active in 4-H and Saddle Club when his children were members of the organizations. Rural Life Young Adults when he and Velma were young farmers. He was involved in the Mantorville Senior Citizens for many years and was the board president several times.
A Celebration of Life will be hosted by his family on Saturday, September 21 at the Senior Citizen Center, 601 Clay Street in Mantorville, from 1:00-4:00 PM.