LEO J. SWEENEY

January 7, 1916 - September 18, 2011

Leo J. Sweeney, 95, of Hokah, died Sunday, September 18, 2011 at Caledonia Care and Rehab in Caledonia. He was born January 7, 1916 in Hokah to Joseph and Mary "Mayme" (Hayes) Sweeney. He graduated from St. Peter's High School in Hokah in 1933. Leo married Lorraine Semke November 27, 1940 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Brownsville, MN. She preceded him in death Feb. 2, 2003. Leo and Lorraine were life-long farmers on German Ridge, outside of Hokah. He was fortunate to be able to farm and ride a tractor well into his late 80's and, like so many other farmers his generation, he wanted to keep working as long as he could because he loved what he did. Leo enjoyed going to farm auctions and spent many a cold winter day at one; he seldom missed the Monday livestock sale at the Caledonia Salesbarn; and in later years rarely missed a Tuesday night euchre game in Freeburg with his grandson. Throughout his lifetime he enjoyed reading, especially the newspaper and farm magazines He is survived by 4 daughters, Mary Ann Johnson of LaCrescent, MN, Arlene Bothe of Bangor, WI, Carol Sweeney-Marnach (son-in-law, Terry) of Hokah, and Sharon Sweeney of LaCresent; 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren: Debra (Tim) Leis and their children, Duane, Dana and Timmie of Cashton, WI; Diane Johnson and her son Andre of West Salem, WI; David Johnson of Minneapolis and Colin and Andrew Marnach of St. Paul, MN; a brother in law, Harland (Helen) Semke of Onalaska and nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Raymond Sweeney, a nephew, James Sweeney and a son in law, Marlin Bothe. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Thurs., Sept 22, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Brownsville. Father Gregory Leif will officiate and burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Brownsville. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 pm on Wed. at Breza Hall, next to the church where a prayer service will be held at 7:30 pm. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the service at the church on Thurs. McCormick Funeral Home, Caledonia is assisting the family with arrangements. May this good and generous man with the special smile rest in peace.