Robert L. Athey

Robert “Bob” Athey, age 68, of rural Big Stone City, SD, passed away on November 3, 2025, at his home, following a battle with brain cancer.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 11:00 am at Big Stone Tabor Methodist Church in Big Stone City with Pastor Sandy Marquardt officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home in Milbank, SD. A prayer service with a time of sharing, will be held at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Friday, one hour prior to the service.

The memorial service will be recorded, live streamed, and viewable at www.mundwilerfuneralhome.net.

Robert Lynn Athey was born on September 19th, 1957, in Ortonville, MN, to Stanley and Marilyn (Duncan) Athey. The family lived in Clinton, MN, and moved to Lead, SD, when his father got a job at the Homestake Gold Mine. When Bob was ten years-old, the family settled in Big Stone City. Bob attended fifth through eighth grade there and high school in Ortonville, graduating with the Class of 1975.

After high school Bob continued working at Frigo Cheese Factory and then built grain bins for about one year. On November 1, 1977, Bob began his career with the city of Big Stone City working in the maintenance department. On May 2nd,1994, he was appointed the Utilities Manager. He retired in 2022 after 45 years of service.

Bob was a very hard worker and was always eager to help in any way that he was able. He enjoyed working with friends and neighbors, and was always available for them. In 1979, Bob worked part-time as a patrolman in Big Stone City. Then in 1980, he attended Rohl Keyback Criminal Justice School in Pierre, SD, and earned his police license. He continued in law enforcement by working part-time for the Ortonville Police Department and the Big Stone County Sheriff’s Department, retiring from law enforcement in 1999. He also served on the Big Stone Fire Department for 20 years.

Bob was united in marriage to the love of his life, Marcy Hoyer, on May 3, 1997, in Big Stone City. They made their home on the edge of town, where they enjoyed the serenity of country life and the beauty and wildlife it offered.

To say that Bob loved to fish was an understatement! He caught many fish and proudly shared pictures of his catch. His family and friends enjoyed many meals of his harvest. Being an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed bow hunting deer, and the tranquility of being in nature.

Bob had a friendly and mischievous personality. He loved people and had a gift for making them feel at ease. He was quick with his wit and loved to tell a good joke or two. He was a prankster, which usually turned out humorously, and he loved to tell stories.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Marcy; two sons: Dustin Athey and Ryan Goggin (fiancé Nicole Gustafson); brother, Dale (Pam) Athey; and sister, Teresa Athey. Bob was preceded in death by his parents: Stanley and Marilyn Athey; his parents-in-law: Harris “Tookie” and Elizabeth Hoyer; two brothers: Les Athey and Larry Athey; and one nephew, Jesse Athey. 

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