Terrance Lee Sweeney

Terrance L. Sweeney, 72, of Waterloo, passed away Friday, December 29th at Birdee Cottage in Waterloo, Iowa following a 4 year battle with dementia. He was born Jan. 13th, 1951 in Waukon, Iowa to Cletus J. and Ella M. Sweeney (Manning). He married Susan M. Johnson on November 30th, 1979 at St John's Catholic Church in Waterloo, Iowa. Terry graduated from East High School in 1969. Immediately following his High School graduation he completed a tour in Vietnam. Upon returning home he began his career at John Deere. Retiring in 2005 after 33 dedicated years at the young age of 54. In retirement he took a part time job driving a school bus for the Waterloo school district.

Terry is survived by: his wife, Sue; his children and their spouses, Jessica and Brad Homewood of Cedar Rapids, IA; Jaime and Steve Zeets of Marion, IA; his grandchildren: Harper and Holland Homewood, Courtney (Mitch) Grubb, Collin, Tate, Kael, and Crue Zeets; his siblings: Bonnie Ehle of Wisconsin, Pat (Katy) Sweeney of Waterloo, Nancy (Mark) Boesen of Waterloo, and Jan (Mike) Etringer of Waterloo; his sisters-in-law: Linda (Chuck) Becker, Patti Shillinglaw (Lonnie) of Waterloo, IA, Johneen (Jim) Clark, Olathe, Kansas; his brothers-in-law Lyle (Shallie) Johnson of Waverly, IA, Reed (Margaret) Johnson of W. Des Moines, IA.

Terry and Sue started a life together in Waterloo, and then later moved to Denver, Iowa in 1989, where they lived for 20 years and raised their two daughters. His dreams came true when he moved 6 houses from the Denver Country Club and bought a golf cart. He would drive the cart right down the street, jump the curb and start a round of golf – one of the perks of small town life!

They enjoyed all things family, often spending the weekends at a Sweeney or Johnson get-together. One of their greatest joys was the impromptu Friday night get-togethers at Cletus and Ella's playing Euchre and hanging out. Family vacations were always a priority for Terry, and he loved to take the Sweeney family annual vacation to Minnesota. Spending countless hours fishing, golfing, playing cards, enjoying fire pits and family dinners, and pulling tabs.

Terry also loved the game of golf and shared that love for the game with his girls. Together they spent countless hours on the golf course perfecting their game. He thoroughly enjoyed playing with his brothers, daughters and most recently his granddaughters, loving nothing more than a good 4-person best shot.

Terry's favorite pastime was watching Iowa Hawkeye Football and Basketball, following each game he was quick to have a phone call with brothers and brothers-in-law replaying every moment of the game. In addition, Terry, like all Sweeney's, was a loyal White Sox fan. In his quiet moments, Terry could often be found tinkering in his shed or garage, surrounded by the timeless melodies of The Beatles, Elvis, 90s country, and Celine Dion. He had a genuine love for music and could effortlessly carry a tune.

Terry was a hard working man throughout the entirety of his life. Immediately out of high school, he enlisted in the Vietnam war, serving for 18 months in Bambi Tuit, Vietnam. He was one of the lucky ones that was able to share stories of his experiences and the camaraderie he experienced during his service days. Over the last 15 years, his greatest happiness came from spending time with his grandchildren, whose smiles continued to light up his days until his final moments. They will forever miss the warmth and love he shared with them.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Cletus and Ella Sweeney; in-laws Jean and Luella Johnson; brothers Cletus Jr., and Gary Sweeney, and his nieces, Janette Jacobs and Billie Sweeney, and Great-nephew Max Davis.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 pm to 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 4th, 2024, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave, Waterloo, followed by graveside services at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Memorial contributions received will be directed to the family.