Melvin Dale Sweerin Sr.

Melvin D. “Boots” Sweerin, Sr., 89, of Waterloo, died Friday, August 21, 2020 at the MercyOne Waterloo of natural causes.

He was born February 23, 1931 in Gladbrook, the son of Edward Sweerin and Edna (Stricker) Widner.

He served as an MP in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Boots married Vivian Wilson on July 3, 1954 in Leon; she preceded him in death on August 3, 2008.

He worked as a self-employed masonry contractor. He later worked for Sell’s Construction until retiring in 2008. During retirement, he helped his sons at Sweerin Brothers Masonry.

Boots was a member of Faith Assembly of God in Elk Run Heights where he served on the board for many years. He was also a member of the AmVets and American Legion. He raced cars in his younger years and always enjoyed watching the races. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. In his free time, he would often go fishing and camping and playing softball.

Survived by two sons, Mel (Melissa) Sweerin, Jr. and Al (Connie) Sweerin both of Waterloo; five grandchildren, Jared (Rachel), Nathan (Melanie), Nick (Peyton Perkins), Andy (Cathleen) and Dan (Melissa) Sweerin; ten great-grandchildren, Judah, Haven, Ellery, Natalie, Clayton, Lily, Hannah, Phineas, Henry, and Oliver; two brothers, Edward (Barbara) Sweerin and Jim (Brenda) Widner; four sisters, Marlys “Tootie” Murray, Marty (Larry) Bockholt, Rolene Whitesell and Marlene Smith; and brother-in-law, Larry O’Brien.

Preceded in death by his mother and step-father, Edna and Ben Widner; father, Edward Sweerin; great-grandson, Elijah Sweerin; and sister, Darlene O’Brien.

Pops appreciated the companionship and helpfulness of his special friends, Thomas “Moose” Wiley and Bob Ebaugh.