Kenneth J. Sweeney

Kenneth J. Sweeney, 76, entered into eternal peace at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa on Thursday, September 21, 2017 after struggling for months with an infection. Ken was born December 10, 1940 in Livermore, Iowa, to Raymond C. and Lillian Marie (Hansen) Sweeney. He was lovingly welcomed into a family of 5 older brothers and sisters. He graduated from Fort Dodge High School in 1958. He continued his education at Fort Dodge Community College. He met his bride, Sally A. Foster, at a teen dance in 1957 and they later married on December 26, 1960 in Fort Dodge, IA. Ken and Sally spent 56 years together raising and nurturing their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ken was a devoted husband to Sally throughout their marriage and more recently as her main caregiver after unforeseen medical issues. Ken spent the majority of his career working for Martin Marietta (E.I. Sargent Quarries until purchased by Martin Marietta). Ken was a hard-working, dedicated employee who held many roles at Martin Marietta over his 28-year career there until he retired in 2006. Ken cherished the people he worked with. His kind and loving personality earned him the respect and admiration of countless colleagues having positively impacted them both in their professional and personal lives. Most of his time at home was spent with family playing in the yard, sledding, swimming, eating ice cream, watching movies, attending school sports/activities and just being present at every family event there was. Ken was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church for 42 years, where he served on the Board of Trustees, Ad Council, Staff Parish Relations, and numerous other committees. Ken not only believed the word of God, but in living it out. Ken loved his community of friends and acquaintances and remembered endless details about everyone he encountered. He liked old cars, traveling, dreaming about traveling, aimless car rides around town, playing cards, road trips the long way, and morning coffee at McDonald’s with men from church. He rarely missed his Tuesday noon meeting or Friday lunch with his lifelong friends. He loved teasing and telling jokes, which he was doing until his final days. He will be missed deeply by his beloved wife, Sally of Urbandale, Iowa; children, Scott (Libby) Sweeney of Urbandale, Ted of Des Moines, Regina (Don) Vestal of Johnston, Marisa (Jim) Beal of Urbandale, and Janell (Herb Thomas) of Urbandale; grandchildren, Randy Sweeney, Abby Sweeney, Pamela (Jeff) Kirklin, Stephanie (Matt) Winter, Jared Ennis, Brady Ennis, Kendra (David) Danielson, Tayler (Tyler) Huls, Madison Vestal, Ian Beal, Sidney Beal, Jackson Beal, Mallory Beal and Nelson Thomas; and 6 great grandchildren, Kennedy and Kole Kirklin, Oliver Winter, Laney and Briley Danielson, and Dempsey Vestal. Also left to cherish his memory is his brother, Ted (Genese) along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Arlene (Bob) Seger and Evelyn (Otto) Warford; his brothers Edward (Mary) and Chuck (Vera); nephews, Jim Seger and Rick Sweeney. Ken’s siblings, along with his nieces and nephews, remained close throughout their lifetimes. Visitation will be from 4-7 pm on Monday, September 25, 2017 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Urbandale. Celebration of Life services will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at 10 am at Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Inurnment will be at McDivitt Grove Cemetery in Urbandale. The family wishes to thank the loving caregivers and medical professionals at Iowa Methodist ER, Iowa Methodist Younkers wing, Mercy Hospice and the wonderful support we received from the congregation of people at Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions can be directed to Aldersgate United Methodist Church. We love you Papa!