Robert J. (Bob) McSweeny 1923-2006

MCSWEENY, NEELAND, MITCHELL, BUHR, SLAMKOWSKI, KINSELLA

Posted By: Dorothy Gosse (email)
Date: 3/5/2007 at 22:25:35

A funeral mass for Robert J. "Bob" McSweeny, 82, Oelwein, was Monday, June 19, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Fayette, with Rev. John J. Purtell and Rev. Dale Rausch officiating. Interment was at St. Francis Cemetery, Fayette with military graveside rites. Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home, Oelweinwas incharge of arrangements.

Robert died on Thursday, June 15, at Allen Memorial Hospital, Waterloo, after a lengthy illness.

Robert James McSweeny was born Oct. 29, 1923 at Randalia, to James Irving and Grace Katherine (Neeland) McSweeny. He graduated from Randalia High School in 1941. Robert attended Loras College but his education was interrupted by his enlistment into the Air Force. Robert joined the Air Force as an aviation cadet on July 24, 1942. He served in the African Theatre of Operations and European Theatre of Operations as a pilot during W.W. II. Following his active service during the war, Robert graduated from Upper Iowa College at Fayette with a degree in Botony. Robert continued his military service in the United States Air Force Reserve and retired on Oct. 29, 1983 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Robert J. married Lona Lee Mitchell on Oct. 11, 1948 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church at Fayette. They farmed near Randalia and then in the Maynard and Oelwein areas.

Bob and Lona Lee enjoyed fishing at Grannis Hollow and on the Mississippi. They spent many summer days at their home at Harpers Ferry. Robert was an avid fisherman, outdoorsman and had a "love" of the land. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He taught many children how to water-ski and fish on the Mississippi River. Robert had a great sense of humor and joy for life.

Robert was an active as a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Maynard American Legion and the Democratic Party.

Survivors include his daughter, MaryAnn (Michael) McSweeny Buhr, Fort Dodge; one son, Robert (Pat) McSweeny, Maynard; five grandchildren: Sean, Patrick and Michaleah Buhr, Ft. Dodge and Sarah and Lucas McSweeny, Maynard; one brother, John (Jack) McSweeny, McGregor; two sisters, Kathleen (Dr. John) Slamkowski, Highland, Ind. and Rita Kinsella, Reston, Va; a sister-in-law, Betty McSweeny, Shellsburg and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife: Lona on Sept. 13, 2001; a daughter at birth, Cynthia Mary McSweeny and a brother, Everett.