Francis 'Frank' Jacob Cheyney, 80

Francis Jacob Cheyney (Frank), 80, of Spokane, Wash., entered into heaven surrounded by family Dec. 8, 2024, at Sacred Heart Medical Center. Frank was born Dec. 11, 1943, at the same Sacred Heart in Spokane, Wash., the fourth of five children to Lucille Zeimantz Cheyney, born March 8, 1908, in Mondovi, Wash., and Clarence E. Cheyney, born April 23, 1900, in Cascade Locks, Ore.

Frank was born in Spokane but moved often during his childhood. He graduated from Hogeland High School near Havre, Mont. He returned to Spokane and attended Gonzaga University, where he earned multiple master's degrees in education and mathematics. During his coursework at Gonzaga, he volunteered at St. Thomas Grade School in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, coaching the basketball team. That is where he first met some of the Diemert children and family, including Rosemary. He taught at Coeur d’Alene High School and became a professor at Gonzaga University. He married Rosemary and became a dad to her 10 children. They added two more to the family for a total of 12. Knowing a college professor's salary was not going to be enough, he started selling cars and later managed dealerships. He had gasoline in his veins and loved cars but also loved the interaction with people. For years, he sent Christmas cards to every single customer who bought a car from him. He also loved to teach and continued to teach for many of the 30-plus years he was in the car business. He was an adjunct professor of mathematics at Whitworth University for about 17 years, also taught at Spokane Falls Community College and Grandview High School and as a substitute teacher in many Spokane area schools until his health started to decline at the age of 80. 

Frank was a man who lived the St. Francis prayer. He would rather love than hate. He would be patient and pardon. He had faith when others had doubts. He found hope in despair. He would light the darkness. He found joy in everything life had to offer him. He absolutely would give over receive. He would console when someone needed it, even if they didn’t know it. He would understand over being understood. He would love over being loved. He was regarded by his family and friends as a living saint who lived a remarkable life of selflessness. 

Frank is survived by his wife, Rosemary Cheyney, of Spokane Wash.; sons: Rick and Sarah (deceased) Diemert of Denver, Colo.; Jim and Roberta Diemert of Roseburg, Ore.; Randy and Carol Diemert of Rathdrum, Idaho; Lindsay and Karin (deceased) Diemert of Spokane, Wash.; Jon Diemert of Spokane, Wash.; Frankie Cheyney (s.o. Kelli Irish) of Apache Junction, Ariz.; Daniel and DeVonia Cheyney of Spokane, Wash.; daughters: Deborah and Thom Jansen of Spokane, Wash.; Gina and Jim Downhour of Stevensville, Mont.; Annette and Kevin Hayes of Spokane, Wash.; Julie Crisp (s.o. Eddy Chism) of Spokane, Wash.; brother Bob and Shana Cheyney; sisters: MaryAnn Kuther, and Rita Moore; 50 grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Ed Cheyney; his son, David Diemert; his grandsons, Kevin Diemert, Casey Diemert and Jeremiah Diemert; granddaughter Virginia Diemert; and daughters-in-law Sarah Diemert and Karin Diemert. 

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, at St. Aloysius Church on the Gonzaga University Campus (330 E. Boone Ave., Spokane, WA 99202) with a viewing prior to the service and interment at St. Thomas Cemetery in Coeur d’Alene following the service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Bite2Go in memory of Frank Cheyney. Bite2Go is a charity that puts weekend meals in food-insecure children’s backpacks in the Inland Northwest and Idaho school districts. www.harvest.org

Please visit Frank’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.