Larry Sweeney

larry sweeney

Lawrence F. Sweeney, 78, Fargo, passed away on August 24, 2011.  He was born on February 5, 1933, the son of Eugene and Edna Sweeney.  He grew up in St. Paul and Fargo, where he graduated from Sacred Heart Academy.  Larry attended college and served in the Air Force.  He graduated from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul in 1958.

Larry married Peggy Murphy in Fargo on February 19, 1955.  They lived in Fargo where they raised six children.  Larry devoted his work life to Sweeney Brothers Tractor Company, serving as president until his retirement in 1996.  He participated actively in his parish, Sts. Anne and Joachim, and served as President of the Board of Holy Cross Cemeteries.  He also served as President of the Association of Equipment Dealers, as a Board member of Nokomis Child Care Center, as President of the Fargo Country Club, as well as a long standing member of the Knights of Columbus. Avocations included: American Legion Baseball, University of St. Thomas Basketball, NDSU Teammakers and Shanley High School Alumni Association.  First and foremost, he loved to play golf with his many friends at the Fargo Country Club.

Larry is survived by his wife, Peggy; children Kathleen (Dirk) Swart, Eden Prairie, MN; Kevin (Robin) Sweeney, Moorhead; Michelle Powers, Fargo; Michael (Kathryn) Sweeney, Bloomington, MN; Lisa (Luke) Litteken, Lakeville, MN;  and Margaret Hines, Fargo; and 18 grandchildren: Alexandra Tillotson, Aaron Swart, Jonathon Swart; James Sweeney, Kate Sweeney, Tessa Carey, Ally Carey; John, Matt, Mike, and Ian Powers; Billy, Libby, and Charlie Sweeney; Elsa and Ethan Litteken; Troy Hines, Jennifer (Hines) Ackerson; great grandchild, Ayden Ackerson.  He is also survived by a brother, Mark (Lenore) Sweeney, brother-in-law, Tom Bogan, sisters-in-law, Donna Sweeney and Barb Murphy.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Gene and Donald; sisters-in-law, Joan Bogan and Millie Sweeney, and brother-in-law, Jim Murphy.

Memorials are preferred to: Sts. Anne and Joachim Catholic Church, Holy Cross South Cemetery and Nokomis Child Care Center (Village Family Service).    

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  1. Hawley MN
    Margy & Family,

    You will never know how special your dad was to me. Once I started working at Sweeney Brothers Tractor Co in 1989 and met your dad for the first time, I knew I had a new great friend for life. My dad had passed away several years before so I looked up to him as a father figure as well. He was a gentleman that you could to talk about anything with. He was there for me to talk to about my mom dealing with cancer and then when she passed away in May of 2010, he was there for me in thoughts and prayers. I hope now they can get to know each other in person as they both were such wonderful people.

    Rest in peace my dear friend. You will always be near and dear to me and I will cherish our friendship we had.

  2. Fargo ND
    Peggy and Family,

    Larry will be missed. He was such a gentleman and a friend.
    Carrie Rose Lane has lost a good
    neighbor.
    That’s just like Larry……”Do it in Church.”

    My most sincere condolences,

    Mary Ann Armbrust

  3. Bismarck ND
    Sweeney family,

    I am sorry to hear of Larry’s passing last week. I met Larry during my employment tenor with the Fargo Country Club. I was manager and operator of FCC’s shoeshine service for ten (10) years and Larry was one of my best customers. I remember talking to Larry over coffee about cards, golf, and politics while he hurried to eat breakfast to make a tee time. I will always remember Larry asking me to “put a rush” on shining his shoes because he had an early game the next morning. I think Larry always wanted to have the cleanest shoes in the foursome.

    I will miss your conversation, my friend and your contagious smile!

    I hope that GOD comforts you during this time of loss.

  4. Sparta WisconsinThe Jim Murphy family will never forget the good times in Fargo and the generosity of Larry and family. He will be missed.

  5. New Berlin WIDear Peg and family. I am saddened by Larry’s passing. I have fond memories of Larry and the entire Sweeney family growing up. I will always remember the Sweeney Bros calendars that we displayed in our bedrooms growing up. I was happy to read his obituary to learn even more about his life. And what a life it was. The Murphy’s will continue to think and pray for Larry and the Sweeney family. I regret not being able to make the trip to honor Larry in person but our thoughts are with you.

    Best to all –
    Jerry, Lori Murphy and Family

  6. Devils Lake ND
    Shocked to hear of Larry’s passing.
    Met Larry through Paul Christianson and Glenn Soper.
    Glenn just mentioned he had talked to Larry last Sunday.
    Glenn and I played Golf with Larry at the Fargo Country Club.
    He was a great gentelman and will be missed by Family, friends, and the Fargo Community.
    Dennis & Karen Riggin

  7. WisconsinMike,

    I am so sorry to hear of your dads death. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Gary Fischer (Park Drive)

  8. Fergus Falls MN
    On behalf of the Ecker family (and Larry’s cousin Virginia), we express our heartfelt sympathy in your sudden loss.

    Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Mom enjoys the opportunity to see Mark periodically, but she hasn’t seen her cousin Larry for some time. She mourns his loss and will be with you in spirit as you gather together tomorrow to say your goodbyes.

    Hugs to all and blessed be the memory of Larry Sweeney.

  9. Fargo North Dakota
    Peggy, You are in our thoughts and prayers as you grieve the sudden death of yur wonderful husband and loving father. May youfind peace in knowing that Larry is now resting in the arms of our loving God. What a privilege for him to die on his way to Mass.
    Blessings, Sister Petronilla

  10. Fargo ND
    It’s been a long time since the Class of 1950 began the journey down the Memory Lane many of us still travel today. Larry was one of the memory makers who shall live on forever and he shall be missed. Consolences to Larry’s family, as they say good bye for a little while, comforted by the knowedge God takes only the best and His ways are not ours to understand, but to accept. May He bless you always in all ways.

  11. Michelle, Mike and Lisa

    I am so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. Please know that you are in my prayers.

    Bob

    “Death is not extinguishing the light it is turning out the lamp because the Dawn has come.”

  12. Fargo ND
    Dear Peggy Sweeney and family and Mark Sweeney,
    I have been a friend of the Sweeneys almost ever since I came to Fargo in 1947. Larry’s father Eugene and his wife Edna and I became good friends over the years. Our law firm did the legal work for Eugene and Sweeney Bros. Tractor Co. I was very sorry to hear about Larry’s death. He was such a good person and I always considered him a friend. I know you have a great family and your family will be a great consolation to you in these difficult times. I send best wishes and my condolences.
    Sincerely yours,
    Myron H. Bright

  13. Walker MN
    Larry was always such a gentleman. He was such a great friend to the Collins family, ..especially our Dad, Ken. He will be missed by all who knew him.

    Our sympathy,
    Brian & Mary (Collins) Johnson

  14. Chaska MN
    We are so sorry to hear about the death of Larry. We knew him through Saints Anne and Joachim church. We considered him a great friend. After daily Mass we always had great conversations over our coffee and goodies. Those were good times with the group.

    Rest in peace Larry

    Bob and Myrna Muellenbach

  15. Fargo ND
    I was so saddened to read of Larry’s death in last night’s newspaper. I met Larry about 10 years ago when I joined the FCC, as our lockers were right next to each other. He was one of the nicest men that I have had the privilege of knowing. A true gentleman. I always enjoyed running into him at the FCC and my wife, Margie, and I looked forward to seeing him at mass every Saturday night at Sts. Anne and Joachim Church. Margie and I will miss you, sir! Dave Pinder


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