Thomas James Sweeney (1946-2019)

SWEENEY, MITCHELL, BLAUVELT

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 12/21/2019 at 18:11:16

From Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care obituary, Ames, Story County, Iowa:

Thomas James Sweeney
August 3, 1946 - December 6, 2019

Thomas James Sweeney, age 73, passed away peacefully with family at his side on December 6, 2019 at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City, after a 4-year battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

Tom was born in Chicago, IL to Patrick and Vivian (Mitchell) Sweeney on August 3rd, 1946. He spent his early years in south Chicago, hanging out with his best friend, Dennis Benard, going to camp, attending Boy Scouts, and forming the bonds of a lifelong brotherhood. At the age of 10, Tom's family moved to Calumet Park, IL, where he grew up in typical south Chicago style, rooting for the Sox and Bears, while being treated to candy, ice cream, and cashews, by his mother and her dear friends.

He attended Dwight D. Eisenhower H.S. in Blue Island, IL, and continued his education at Illinois State University in Normal, IL, where he received both his BS and MS degrees, but more importantly met the love of his life, Constance (Connie) Blauvelt. Summers in college were spent at Republic Steel, where both he and Dennis worked in the mill. Tom married Connie in 1970 and the couple moved to Ames in 1971, where Tom attended Iowa State University and earned his PhD in economics.

He began his career as an educator in the business department at Iowa State before working at MidAmerican Energy in Des Moines for 28 years. Tom succeeded in never missing his kids' games and activities, all while working incredibly hard to ensure his family was safe and secure for the future. After so many years of commuting to downtown Des Moines to work for the big Iowa utility, he was excited to return to education as a professor of economics at DMACC in Ankeny, where he retired in 2016.

Working in education and the freedom of retirement allowed Connie and Tom to expand their travels. They enjoyed adventures to most of the US, including Alaska and Hawaii and many international trips to Ireland, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Estonia, Russia, and the Scandinavian countries. Throughout his life, Tom enjoyed attending all sorts of live performances, including rock music, musicals, and any new groups introduced to him by Connie. Tom was Connie's 500 partner in their card clubs for over 20 years, enjoying monthly gatherings with great friends. He loved to read, watch movies, workout at Ames Racquet & Fitness, and was always willing to discuss the relative awfulness of whomever was quarterbacking the Chicago Bears.

Tom is survived by his wife of 49 years, Connie of Ames; children, Joe (Lesley) of Reading, PA, Megan (Kevin) of Leadville, CO; and lifetime friend, Dennis (Carla) Benard of Homewood, IL.

If so moved, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in Tom's honor.

http://www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com/
 

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