Leonard "Lennie " Francis Cheney Jr

life story

Lennie wearing his famous Monkey shirt

About Lennie

Lennie passed away peacefully at home with his loving cousin/caregiver Brenda Bybee by his side.

Lennie was born February 16, 1953 in South Bend, Indiana the son of the late Leonard Francis Cheney and Martha Ruth (Bybee) Cheney.

Lennie attended Niles schools and a classmate of Niles Vikings classmate of 1971. He worked at various jobs in his life.

Lennie was an avid Outdoorsman his entire life. He loved hunting and fishing, mushroom picking. He was a big fan of University of Michigan Wolverines. He would teach you about hunting or fishing. If someone talked to him about hunting or fishing then just have a seat because he would talk for hours. He was a great joke teller, loved being goofy to family or friends. He could remember songs and who sang them and then even sing them.

Lennie moved to Minnesota in 1991 with his daughter Leondra when she was 7 years old. And has lived in Minnesota for 30 years. And through the years he has made so many friends that loved him, most of them are like his Minnesota family.

Lennie loved his family and friends.

He is survived by his children: Kevin Cheney of IN, Tanya (Donald) Hansen of Flat Rock, MI, Crystal (Jeremy) Santana of Niles, MI, Matthew (Vanessa) Cheney of Niles, MI, Jodi Schram of Norfolk, VA, Leondra Cheney (fiance Ricky Ritchie) of Buchanan, MI, Carman "Nikki " Cheney of Jackson, MI

He is survived by his Grandchildren: Nicholas "Nick" Cheney of Niles, MI, Jennifer Schuck (Kenneth III) Kretzinger of Longview, TX, Anthony Dragg of Flat Rock MI, Kassanda Dragg of Flat Rock MI, Trey (Bree) Watkins of Niles, MI, Damon Watkins of Niles, MI, Mason Watkins of Niles, MI, Courtney Watkins of Niles, MI, Kelsi Cheney of Niles, MI, Hayden Cheney of Niles, MI, Landon Cheney of Niles, MI, Blake Cheney of Niles, MI, Serenity McDonald of Buchanan,MI, Brilee Ritchie of Buchanan, MI, Jaxxson Walburn of Jackson, MI

He is survived by his Step Grandchildren: Dravens (Hailey) Santana of South Haven,MI, Kayden Santana of Niles, MI

He is survived by his Great Grandchildren: William Kretzinger of Longview, TX, Adrian Watkins of Niles, MI

He is survived by his Sisters: Cheryl (Richard) Noble of Niles, MI, Debbie Rosetto of South Bend, IN

He is survived by his Half Sister: Beverly Marks of Hopewell, VA

He is survived by his Sister-in-laws: Kelly Cheney of Niles, MI, Lisa Cheney of Niles, MI

Brother-in-law: Brian Hales of IN

He is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and other loving relatives and friends.

Lennie is preceded in death by: His parents, sisters: Cora Lolmaugh, Jeanne Hales , Brothers: Walter, Michael, Patrick Cheney, Half Sister: Nancy Jean Rossman, Grandson: Jodi Michael Schram

memorial service

Cremation has taken place

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date and time in Michigan. It will be posted on here also and on his Facebook page. With Date, Time and location.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services