James R. Sweeney (1930-2020)

SWEENEY

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 4/24/2020 at 14:42:40

James R. “Dick” Sweeney, 89, of Farley, died peacefully on March 2, 2020, at UnityPoint Finley
Hospital in Dubuque, after a heroic battle of multiple health issues.

Visitation for Jim will be held from 2 to 8 p.m., Friday, March 6, 2020 at Reiff Funeral Home in Farley, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 1:30 p.m., the Farley Legion Auxiliary will meet in a body at 6:45 p.m., and the Farley American Legion Post #656 services will be held at 7 p.m. Visitation will also be held Saturday after 9 a.m. at the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Farley, Iowa, with Rev. Michael Schueller presiding. Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Farley, Iowa, with full military honors afforded by the Farley American Legion Post #656.

Jim was born on August 6, 1930 in Placid, son of Leo and Mabel (McDermott) Sweeney. He received his education from the Rural Placid country schools. He served in the U.S. Army from January 29, 1952 until honorably discharged January 6, 1954. On June 28, 1955, he was united in marriage to Lois Chapman at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Hopkinton, IA. He worked at John Deere until his retirement in 1992.

Jim was an active member of the community: He served on the St. Joseph’s school board,
Farley City Council, a past commander of the American Legion Post 656, and chairman of their athletic committee (Farley Babe Ruth Tournament) for 30 years - where he was affectionately known as “Bowie”. Jim was always ready to play euchre with family and friends. He also enjoyed trips to the casino. Jim made horseradish and homemade wine that was enjoyed by many. He loved hosting many gatherings with family and friends. Jim was an avid Hawkeye, Cubs, and Packers fan.

Jim is survived by his wife, of 64 years, Lois Sweeney; Eight children, Sue Kraus, JR (Angie) Sweeney, and Karen (Keith) Neyen all of Farley, Carol Coyle (Jeff White) of Cascade, Jane (Ron) Deutmeyer, Barb Sweeney, and Nancy (Brian) Schlueter all of Dyersville, Marge (Rick) Gansemer of Rickardsville; Grandchildren, Andy Konzen, Marty (Bobbie) Konzen, Tracey (Nick) Reicher, Chad Coyle, Kelly (Ben) Kramer, Kristi (Matt) Strief, Luke (Katie) Coyle, Jacque (Jake) Kelchen, Jeff (Carrie) Deutmeyer, Tim (Tanya) Deutmeyer, Anne (Aaron) Seehusen, Amy (Adam) Linden, Sarah (Ben) Bell, Katie and Ben Gansemer, Craig (Kim) Schlueter, Kristen Schlueter, Riley, Ricky, and Nick Sweeney, Maggie and Olivia Neyen, Jackson, Isabelle, and Juliana Bennett; 35 great-grandchildren and one on the way; Siblings, Phil Sweeney of Farley, Tom (JoAnn) Sweeney of Peosta, and Julie Hildebrand of Sun Prairie, WI; Brother and Sisters-in-law, Jane Sweeney of Epworth, Charlie Hemmer of Dubuque, Marlene Chapman of Hopkinton; Aunts, Marge Sweeney of Dubuque and Pat Larkin of Cascade. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents; Mother and Father-in-law, Louis (Frances) Chapman; Sons-in-law Jim Kraus and Pat Coyle; Granddaughter Molly Gansemer; Great Grandchildren Claire and Colten Konzen; Siblings, Therese (John) Connolly, Stephen Sweeney in infancy, Sister Rose Sweeney OSF, Lloyd Sweeney, Louise Conrad, Benny Sweeney, Ann Hemmer, Fritz (Mary) Sweeney; Brothers and Sisters-in-law, Dorrance Chapman, Mary Sweeney, Paul Hildebrand, and Sharon Sweeney.
“We won’t know, if we don’t try” “Very good, very good”

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to his many caregivers at UnityPoint Finley Hospital for helping him through this difficult journey, and their continued friendship and support.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com