Robert Francis Haney

ROBERT FRANCIS HANEY was born to Avery Francis and Jennie Minerva (Pierce) Haney on August 22, 1915 on a farm west of Pipestone, Minnesota where he was raised. He attended school in District #3 and Pipestone High School. Upon completion of his education, he helped his parents on the farm. On September 12, 1942, he entered the U.S. Navy and served as a Machinist First Class on Tinian Island during World War II. He was there when the Enola Gay landed and visited with the pilot, not knowing the plane was headed for Japan with the atomic bomb. Shortly thereafter his commander announced that the war was over and he could return home. He immediately laid his tools aside and told his commander, 'I'm going home.' He was discharged on December 10, 1945, and he returned to the farm. After farming for four years, he became employed at Central Lumber in Pipestone, first as the assistant manager and then as the manager. On May 28, 1954, he was united in marriage to Lena Marie (Nickel) Lewis in the living room of their new house in Pipestone. Following their marriage, Bob continued to work at the lumber company. When the business was sold to Great Plains, he helped them out for a short time until his retirement in 1971. At that time, he and Lena began spending their winter months in Texas for the next 16 years. Lena preceded him in death on December 28, 1987. After her death, Bob remained in Pipestone until August 18, 2011 when he became a resident at Riverview Manor in Flandreau, South Dakota. He died there on Thursday, August 23, 2012 at the age of 97 years and one day.

Bob was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pipestone where he was baptized and confirmed. He and his wife enjoyed attending auctions and collecting antiques. He was an avid reader and read the entire Bible at least once each year. He befriended the Indians, loved history, and enjoyed woodworking. He also enjoyed his flower and vegetable garden and his yard work. If he had an extra inch of space, he would plant a tree. He always like to work and was a very conscientious worker. He was happiest when he was helping others. In his lifetime, he loved his beagle dogs: Sally, Cindy I, Cindy II, and Daisy.

He is lovingly remembered by his two sisters, Meredith Lange of Pipestone, Minnesota, and Marian Cattnach of Brandon, South Dakota; and his many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; one sister, Ruth Ross; one brother, Howard Haney; one nephew, Dick Ross; three brothers-in-law, Wayne Lange, Wallace Cattnach and Carl Ross; and one sister-in-law, Esther Haney.