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).