Edwin R Sweeney
Edwin R. Sweeney age 81 of Durand, formerly of Richfield, MN, died Thursday, September 05, 2013 at the Mayo Clinic Health System-Eau Claire after a courageous battle with cancer with his loving family by his side.
Edwin was born on February 14, 1932 in Arkansaw. He was the son of Richard and Laura (Pittman) Sweeney. He grew up in Arkansaw and graduated from Arkansaw High School. Edwin enlisted in the U.S. Navy on April 2, 1951 and served on a ship during the Korean War. He was Honorably Discharged on March 24, 1955. After the service, Edwin worked on the Milwaukee Railroad Company, which is now the Canadian Pacific Railway, for two years. In 1960, Edwin took a job as a mechanic for the Federal Courthouse in Minneapolis, MN. Edwin married Joan F. Bauer on February 10, 1962 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Lima. After marriage, Edwin and Joan moved to Richfield, MN where he continued to work for the Federal Courthouse. He retired in 1995. Edwin and Joan moved back to the Durand area where he remained the rest of his life.
Edwin loved watching sports, especially hockey and football. He also enjoyed camping, playing cards and bird watching. Edwin and Joan loved to travel, taking trips to Europe, Canada and around the United States. Most of all, he loved to spend time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren.
Edwin is survived by his wife of 51 years; Joan, two children; Rebecca Sweeney of Eau Claire and Sara (Eric) Luther of Rochester, MN, two grandchildren; Isabelle and Noah Luther, two sisters; Doris Weber of Tucson, AZ and Ruth Ann (Eugene) Tschumperlin of Hudson, two brothers; Don of Sacramento, CA and Wilbur (Joan) of Green Valley, AZ, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and one son; Gregory.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Arkansaw. Fr. Paul G. Czerwonka will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Durand American Legion Post #181. Friends may call from 10:00 AM until the time of services at the church on Tuesday.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.