July 2025 Breeze Newsletter Online
Robert Choate Obituary
In Memory of Robert “Bob” Wilfred Choate, Jr.
April 17, 1947 ~ December 31, 2024
Robert W. Choate, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday afternoon, December 31, 2024, after a five-year battle with lung cancer.
A service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held at 3 pm at the Motley United Methodist Church on Monday, July 7. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service at the church and following the service over light refreshments.
Robert W. Choate, Jr., was born to Robert W., Sr., and Carol M. Choate on April 17, 1947, in Dayton, OH. He graduated from Fairmont West High School, Kettering, OH, in 1965 and from Purdue University in June of 1970 with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management. Bob was united in marriage to Jomyla Hasty in January of 1969, and they have two children.
He had a long business career, beginning with Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance, then with NCR for over 25 years, and finally retiring from AT&T. During his work with AT&T, he had the opportunity for international travel, which took him to an 18-month stay in Australia. He enjoyed putting together videos of his travels and sharing the adventures with others. In 1997, Bob and Jomyla moved to the family property and built their home on the east end of Lake Alexander. Bob also had a home-based business for five years, producing aerial views of the many lakes in Minnesota.
Bob very much enjoyed photography, model railroading, computer games, and reading history, especially World War II, and Science Fiction. He was a member of MotleyUMC and served on various committees of the church. For several years, he assisted in the sound room and made videos of the numerous church activities to share with the congregation.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and brother-in-law.
He is survived by wife Jomyla; daughter Wendy and wife Jennifer; son Matt and wife Nicole; grandchildren J.T., Madi, Kat, Garrett, and Raegan; sister SanDee; sister-in-law Carolyn, and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Motley United Methodist Church (PO Box 119, Motley, MN 56466) or to the American Cancer Society.
June 2025 Breeze Newsletter Online
Pastor Greg’s June Message
Good June Disciples,
Welcome to the unofficial beginning of summer. The bugs, the heat, the humidity, everything we’ve all been waiting for.
We have almost made it through the Easter season. We have celebrated the Resurrection, and we have celebrated the Holy Spirit. And even as we continue worshiping through the summer months, let’s continue to pray for the Holy Spirit to continue to bless our congregation. The Spirit is moving! Praise God!
If you didn’t know, June is a very busy month. June 15th is Father’s Day. Also, if you are interested, there are the “Wood Tick Races” in Cuyuna on the 14th. Motley June Fest also takes place on the same day; come to Motley to celebrate and enjoy the parade. Lastly, Minnesota Annual Conference will be taking place June 11-13 at the River’s Edge Conference Center in St. Cloud. The theme for this year is “Created to Love Boldly.” Which makes me think about us as disciples.
How do we love Boldly?
How do we do it in the context of Christ?
We all understand that love is not always easy. But in the same way, we are called to unconditionally love all our neighbors.
So, this month, let’s explore our relationships. Let’s see how we can live into the love that Jesus has taught us. Let’s see how we can continue spreading that love.
Friends, this is what we are called to do. This is how they will know us, by our love.
To end, I will be on vacation for two Sundays, June 29th and July 6th. The pulpit will be filled by our friend Rev. Beth Pottratz. I know she will bring the Good News. Please come and show her your support.
God Bless,
Pastor Greg Leslie
