ARMSTRONG — Roy Alan Cheever, an Armstrong man remembered for his humor, love of the open road and the friendships he built along the way, has died at age 60.
Cheever passed away suddenly on June 12, 2026, at Avera Holy Family Hospital in Estherville.
He was born February 27, 1966, in Estherville, to Johnnie and LaDean Craig Cheever. He graduated from Armstrong-Ringsted High School in 1984.
After graduation, Cheever spent a year in Florida, but his Iowa roots eventually called him back home. He lived the rest of his life in Armstrong.
Cheever was drawn to the open road and found freedom on his motorcycle. He took cross-country trips alone, exploring 49 states and collecting motorcycle plates from each state he visited.
For the last 17 years, he shared his life with his girlfriend, Jennifer Lohse. Together, they enjoyed traveling, including trips to Wisconsin, Deadwood and California to visit her family. They also enjoyed a competitive game of Scrabble.
Those who knew Cheever knew him as a character, someone quick with a joke and ready to make people smile. His humor, independence and easygoing presence made him memorable to family and friends.
He also enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends, golfing with friends, and spending time with the people who mattered most to him. He took great care of his dog Madison and a newly fostered dog.
Cheever is survived by his girlfriend, Jennifer Lohse; his siblings, Cheryl Larsen, Brent Cheever, Arlo Cheever, Orin Cheever and his wife, Terri, and Renae Irmiter and her husband, Dean; his nieces and nephews, Cory Cheever, Chris Cheever, Emily Ashmead, Linsey Minnmann, Brianna Cheever and Logan Cheever; and his great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and many other family members and friends.
A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Global Methodist Church in Armstrong. A funeral service will follow at 10:30 a.m. at the church.
Henry-Olson Funeral Home & Crematory – Armstrong is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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