Gene H. Motley

Sand Lake Gene H. Motley, head of the Motley Crew, died shortly after celebrating his 92nd birthday on Sunday, May 22, 2022 at Dove Healthcare in Bloomer, WI, surrounded by his loving family. He was born May 5, 1930 in Vandalia, MO to David Earl Motley and Mary Lena Caldwell Motley. He served in the army during the Korean War from 1951-53. He graduated from the University of Missouri Columbia in Animal Husbandry. Gene met Miriam Anderson while they both worked at Hormel in Austin, MN. They eloped on April 6, 1957 and raised 6 children in Decorah, IA. Gene was a livestock buyer for Hormel for 32 years in Decorah, IA. He served on the Board of Aase Haugen Home, was a trustee at the Congregational Church, and a member of the Elks, the Lions Club and the Triple E Investment Club. One of his fondest memories was the Honor Flight where he was accompanied by his daughter Joni Meyer. He was a talented handyman and enjoyed playing hearts, going to garage sales and gardening, sharing his vegetables with family and friends. The cabin he owned on Sand Lake, WI for 52 years was a source of great joy and a legacy for his family to enjoy for years to come. There was nothing better than spending time with his family and many friends. After suffering a stroke a year ago, he moved to Dove Healthcare in Bloomer where he enjoyed pontoon rides on Lake Como, winning at Bingo and Hollywood, live music and the friends he made.

He is survived by his children: Mary (Tony) Lea of Decorah IA, Mike (Robin) Motley of Duluth MN, Judy (Tim) Holmquist of St. Louis Park MN, Kay Motley of St. Louis Park MN, Trinna (Steve) Sweet of New Auburn WI, Joni (Layne) Meyer of New Auburn WI; grandchildren: Andy, Ellen, Erin, Zach, Maria, Kelsey, Hannah, Emma, Lucas, Kyle and Seth; two great grandchildren; numerous other relatives and friends. “You’re all my favorites!”

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 61 years: Miriam Joyce Anderson Motley; brothers: Marvin and Don Motley.

Private family services will be held at a later date. Olson Funeral Home in Bloomer is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at olsonfuneralhomebloomer.net

Our sincere thanks to everyone at Dove Healthcare in Bloomer and Mayo Hospice for their loving care of Gene.
Donations are preferred to Dove Healthcare in Bloomer.