Robert Eugene Manthey

Robert Eugene Manthey, 85, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 1, 2026, in his home in Destin, Florida.

Robert, known to all as Bob, was born on October 23, 1940, in Ramona, South Dakota, to Alphonse and Amelia Manthey. A man of strong convictions and Christian faith, Bob lived a life marked by hard work, laughter, and a genuine love for people and his family.

For 40 years, Bob farmed in Ramona, South Dakota, where he built not only a livelihood but a reputation as a man of his word. Later in life, he moved to Florida and spent 30 years as the owner and operator of Manthey Bobcat Services. Bob and his son Mike built the business on integrity, excellence, and follow-through, earning a reputation for impeccable workmanship and pride in every job. Their slogan, "We make dirt look good!", perfectly reflected both their craftsmanship and Bob's attitude toward work. Clients trusted Bob because he delivered exactly what he promised.

Bob had a larger-than-life personality. He never met a stranger and had an extraordinary way of making people feel seen and valued, often through a teasing remark, a funny facial expression, or his unforgettable smile. He shared this gift at his home church, Destiny Worship Center, where he faithfully served as a greeter, welcoming everyone who walked through the doors. Jovial and giving, he loved to laugh, loved to dance, and loved bringing his family together to have fun. He was famous for his generosity in action, whether donating to causes he cared about, slipping a hundred-dollar bill to a server, or surprising his grandchildren. He often punctuated life with his favorite phrases, saying "I got it," "You get what you pay for," or "I suppose". He was a regular at Waffle House, where he went so often that everybody knew his name, and he loved it that way.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Elaine Manthey, and by his children, Cherie (Randy) Anderson, Tony Manthey, Steve (Paula) Manthey, Michael (Jenny) Manthey, and Ryan (Erica) Manthey. He is further survived by 14 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, whom he adored and who brought him immense joy, as well as his siblings, Jerry, Vonnie, Cyril, and Mary Lou.

Bob will be remembered as a hardworking man, a faithful Christian, a loving family man, and someone who truly loved people. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through his humor, generosity, and strong work ethic.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on February 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Destiny Worship Center, 122 Poinciana Blvd., Miramar Beach, Florida, with a reception to follow at 11:30 a.m. at a location to be determined soon. His remains will be interred at Historic Gulf Cemetery in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob's memory to STW Ministries Inc. (PayPal: @stwministries):

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/5TCXCQMC97HVS

To share memories, express condolences, and sign the digital guestbook, please visit www.daviswatkins.com.

Bob's life was a testament to faith, family, hard work, fun, and generosity. He left us with the words, "The best is yet to come."

"Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him." 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (NIV)