Madonna Sweeney
August 31, 1936 ~ September 29, 2019
Madonna Joanne Klontz was born on August 31, 1936 at home in Cummings, ND during the hottest summer still on record in the area today. She was the youngest of six children born to John and Helen (Fritz) Klontz. In 1943, she moved with her family to Fargo where she attended St. Anthony’s and Shanley schools, graduating in 1954. She first met Donald Sweeney while they attended a high school formal together due to the urging of a teacher at Shanley.
After high school, Donna was employed at Adams Inc. in Fargo. On October 1, 1960, she married Donald Sweeney. Don’s service in the Army took the new couple to Maryland and Texas before returning to Fargo in October 1962, where they started their family and were blessed with seven children.
Don and Donna built a lake cabin on Upper Cormorant Lake in the early 1960s, which for over 50 years, became a lifelong love for the whole family.
In September 1989, Donna started Sweeney Controls Company as president alongside Donald. In her free time, she enjoyed bird watching, gardening and playing bridge with her various groups.
Donna was a kind, patient, loving, giving and gentle wife, mother, sister, friend and grandmother. She is loved and remembered dearly by all who met her.
She was proceeded in death by her husband Donald, parents John and Helen (Fritz) Klontz, brothers Lloyd and Mayo Klontz, sister Virginia Smith, and sons Patrick and Timothy. She is survived by her brother Tim Klontz-Fargo, sister Mary (Willard) Hebert-Fargo, sons Gregory (Toni)-Boise, ID, Richard (Pamela) - Abercrombie, ND, John (Leslie) - Fargo, Joseph (Kim) - Fargo, daughter Anne (James) Chapman - Dilworth, daughter-in-law Kim Sweeney - Fargo, widow of Timothy. Also included are her 15 grandchildren, her sister in-laws Lenore and Shirley Sweeney, Great Aunt Ursula, many nieces, nephews and cousins. In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to Birthright of Fargo-Moorhead or Hospice of the Red River Valley.
A prayer service will be held at 7:00 P.M., Friday, October 11, 2019 with visitation starting at 5:00 P.M. at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, Fargo. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 A.M, Saturday, October 12, at St Anthony’s of Padua, Catholic Church, Fargo, with visitation starting at 9:00 A.M.
Some 60 + years ago, DONNA was my first real girlfriend, and a wonderful person. I shall never forget her.
May she REST IN PEACE.
Greg, Ann, Rick, John and Joe. So sorry for the loss of your mother, my aunt. Donna was always good to me when I was around. She was always interested in what we were doing and how we were doing. Not sure if we will be attending funeral as Talon’s football will be taking us out of town. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Take care.
I have wonderful memories of being at the Sweeney home and cabin with Anne and Donna was always so welcoming. She made you feel like you were part of the family. The words that come to mind when I think of her are “joyful spark.” Love and condolences to the whole family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. I remember you taking charge when Steve Barnick crashed the dirt bike and you being his mom in the ER – always was so graceful . May you rest in peace.
I met your Mo at Bethany we often net in the dinner she was special I will miss her
Aunt Donna and her entire family were so very good to us when we moved to Fargo. We have great memories of times at their homes in Fargo and Upper Cormorant Lake. She was a kind and yet feisty character that made our lives better. We celebrate Aunt Donna’s presence and are blessed that she will live on through her positive influence in so many peoples lives.
Jeff and Deb Klontz
So sorry for your loss Greg and Toni and family will be praying and thinking about you 🙏 Dean and Ann Lorenz .
I am so sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of bringing Holy Communion to your mother for several months and enjoyed her so greatly. I’m sure her golden heart has earned her a special place in heaven, but it saddens my heart that we’ll no longer share in her beautiful smile.