Ignace "Butch" J. Cherney

Ignace “Butch” J. Cherney Jr. of Bena, MN passed away April 27, 2020 due to a massive stroke.

Butch was born February 10, 1942 in Albert Lea, MN,

at the age of 3 he and his siblings moved with their parents to Six Mile Lake Bena, MN where they established Welcome Inn that was later renamed Cherney’s Resort. Butch graduated in 1960 from Cass Lake-Bena School. He attended a semester at Mankato College but returned home to help at the resort due to his father’s health. Butch late completed his degree in education at Bemidji State in 1965. Butch taught science and mathematics in the school districts of Nevis, Remer & Cass Lake-Bena for a combined total of 35 years, retiring in 2000. During that time he also coached Football & Boys Basketball, Butch received “Teacher of the Year “while teaching at Remer.

In 1971, while teaching at Nevis, Butch met his future wife Pamela A. Story, they were married July 1, 1972. They raised three children on the family resort which is continuing after his passing.

Butch’s interest included hunting, fishing and being a faithful spectator of Cass Lake-Bena & Deer River Basketball. He also enjoyed watching his children & grandchildren participate in sports. Butch also loved to Polka & Waltz. Butch was a loving and devoted husband, father & grandfather. As a teacher, he made a huge impact on many students lives. As a resort owner , he was known as a hard working man who treated guest like they were family. He will be greatly missed.

Butch is survived by his wife Pam of 47 years, his son Joseph Cherney and grandson’s Jerad, Tanner & Callen of Cass Lake, MN; son Scott (Anna) Cherney and grandchildren Emma, Bryson & Easton of Duluth, Mn; Daughter Rhoda (Tim) Stuermer and grandchildren Neela, Maya & Jace Stuermer of Esko, MN. Brother Eugene (Arvilla) Cherney of Eagan, MN; sisters Carol (Tim Clark) Gaylord of Hampshire, IL & Kay (Roger) Traverse of Rochester, MN and many Nieces & Nephews.

Butch is preceded in death by his Parents Ignace J. Cherney Sr. and Josephine (Bogdan) Cherney, Brothers Ernest Cherney, Richard Cherney, Eugene Wichmann & Mark Wichmann.

Due to the current Covid 19 restrictions a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements were made by: Carroll Funeral Home, Deer River & Bigfork, Minnesota.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ignace "Butch" J. Cherney, please visit our floral store.