Robert Edward Schley, 68, of Orr, MN, passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2017, at his home.

Robert was born in Virginia, MN on November 6, 1948 to Leonard and Lucille (Feldmeyer) Schley. He attended school in Orr, Mn, graduating in 1966. He served in the United States Army (assigned to Battery C, 7th Battalion, 67th Artillery) from 1969 until his honorable discharge in 1971. He was united in marriage to Ruth Anne Laakkonen September 4, 1971 in Buyck, MN. Robert worked for US Steel for 13 years and then for St. Louis County Public works for 27 years, until his retirement in 2013.

Bob (also known as 'Toyman') enjoyed the great outdoors; he was a fisherman and hunter, and always loved to be outside.  Bob was a real kid at heart, and was a talented toymaker. He built wooden toys until his eyesight started to fail him. He also enjoyed collecting & refurbishing old Tonka toys.  Bob followed in his father's footsteps, and like his father, was a talented sketching artist.

Bob's family lovingly remembers him as a hands' on helping kind of man who always made you laugh. He cherished kids and family. Bob was a great father & grandfather; his kids were his world. He had an outgoing & social personality; making lifelong friends from the days in the Army through his years working at Linden Grove. He had a quick wit, and was a bit of a prankster; not many that met Bob Schley ever forgot him. During the last few years his health started to fail him and he was not able to do the things he loved. However, this did not change who he was.  Bob was a friend to all and enemy to none.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 04080 for 46 years.

He will be greatly missed by his surviving family; his wife: Ruth Anne Schley of Orr, MN; son: Robert Schley of Hibbing, MN; daughter: Becki (Jim) Peterson of St. Cloud, MN; his grandsons: Ryan, Zachary, and Nathan Peterson; and his granddaughter: Elizabeth (ticklebug) Peterson; his sister-in-laws: Dorothy Garland and Donna Laakkonen; Brother-in-laws: Jesse (Judy) Laakkonen; Walter (Mary) Laakkonen; his very special friend and brother-in-law Douglas Garland, who always came to check on Bob; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Lucille, and his sister Elizabeth Schley.

A private family graveside service with military honors will be held for Bob at the Leiding Cemetery, Orr, MN.

To leave online condolences, visitwww.mlakerfuneralhome.com