Edmond Sweeney

Edmond Gerald “Jerry” Sweeney of Nimrod passed away peacefully at the age of 80 on Friday, December 5, 2014 surrounded by family after a hard fought battle with an extended illness. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM on Friday December 12, 2014 at St. Hubert’s Catholic Church, in Bluegrass, MN. Interment will be at the St. Hubert’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM Thursday, December 11, 2014 at the Wevley Funeral Home and for one hour prior to the service at the church. Parish Prayers will be at 6:30 PM. Jerry was born on May 23, 1934 in Sebeka to Clifford and Irene (Voelk) Sweeney. He was happily married to Shirley (Lapinoja) Sweeney on April 27, 1957 at St Hubert’s Catholic Church. Together they raised four children and traveled the world during his time serving in the United States Air Force. After retirement from the Air Force, he worked for the US Postal Service before retiring at age 60 and realizing his lifelong dream of a new country home with his beloved wife and horses. Dancer and Smokey were part of the family and brought joy to Jerry that only “horse people” understand. He loved visits from his children and grandchildren and getting everyone on his horses for a ride. He was part of the Wadena County Horse Posse for a number of years and enjoyed participating in parades and other events. Jerry loved playing gin, sipping his Irish whiskey, and telling stories and jokes. He also enjoyed deer hunting, watching sports, and making back scratchers and other treasures in his wood shop. He was an accomplished Lector and Eucharistic Minister at St Hubert’s. He enjoyed the Nimrod coffee group and shaking dice with his buddies. Jerry was an incredibly hard working man of tremendous faith who loved his family with all his heart. He often stated that life was “really good”. Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Shirley, four children; Mike Sweeney of Hopkins, Ryan (Lisa) Sweeney of Chaska, John (Jennifer) Sweeney of Hastings, Kelly Sweeney of Hastings, and five grandchildren that filled his heart with pride – Luke, Casey, Cole, Riley and Tatum; Annella Derby of Laguna Woods, CA, Clifford Jr. (Delores) Sweeney of Park Rapids, MN, Diane (Larry) Bakken of Big Bear City, CA, Jane (Steven) Bagby of Agua Dulce, CA and Tom Sweeney of Palmdale, CA. He was preceded in death by his father, Clifford, mother, Irene, and Brothers Jerome and Jack.