Gerald "Jerry" Sweeney

Gerald R. "Jerry" Sweeney, 88, of Manvel, ND, died Friday, August 31, 2012 at 4000 Valley Square Woodside Village in Grand Forks, ND. Gerald was born August 29th, 1924 and welcomed by Angels on August 31, 2012. Gerald was the eldest of six children, born to Robert and Emma (Johnson) Sweeney. He was born and raised in Manvel, North Dakota, attending school until he began his lifetime career of farming. His father died at an early age and Gerald managed the farm and helped his mother raise his younger siblings. He and his brother John, later formed a partnership and farmed together until retirement. Gerald married Marjorie McGregor Barton on June 5th, 1965 at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Grand Forks, ND. On that day he gained a family of six children, ranging in ages of 5 to 17 who lovingly called him "Jerry". He enjoyed taking them to snowmobile races, Sunday morning mass, vacations, and attending school functions. He introduced his new family to his cabin at Maple Lake, MN where they all enjoyed boating, fishing and waterskiing. He would slip away from the "shop" a couple of weeks in the winter and take the family to the West coast to visit relatives or head south for vacations. He always expressed pride of his family and loved playing with the grandchildren, great-grandchildren and making "silly" faces with them. Even in his final stage of life, it was them, that brought the biggest smile to his face. Gerald loved his life of farming, especially watching the crops grow and the excitement of the harvests. He worked very hard year round and was dedicated to his work. He employed various members of the community during harvest and was known and respected as a hard worker. Gerald always said "If I had a million dollars, I'd farm it all up, whether I'd make any money or not." He'd say, "Farming is a big gamble and it's the only gambling that I do." Upon retirement, Gerald and Marjorie wintered in Yuma, AZ for many years. It was here he discovered his first hobby of walking; and he walked morning, noon and evening. He also enjoyed watching local farmers planting and harvesting large fields of lettuce and cabbage in Yuma. Upon returning to home in the springtime, Gerald continued his walking routine and especially loved walking to morning mass and walking in the mall, where he and Marjorie joined their friends for lunch. Gerald's other hobby was to work on "projects" after retirement. Gerald loved helping his family with indoor and outdoor home projects whenever he was asked. The building of the new St. Timothy's Catholic Church was a project he contributed to with his labor of love. He volunteered whenever there was a need at the church. He was the first to arrive the building site at the Manvel Golf Course project and contributed to its opening by welding the bridges and assisting in the building/painting of the clubhouse. Gerald was a quiet man who enjoyed visiting with friends and family. He was a man of faith, a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and will be missed by all who knew him. May he rest peacefully in the arms of God. He is survived by his loving wife, Marjorie Sweeney, his children Bruce (Liane) Barton, Fergus Falls, MN; James (Patricia) Barton, Fargo, ND; Bonita Litterello, Glendale AZ; Dennis (Darlene) Barton, Jamestown, ND; Michelle (David) Braaten, Manvel, ND; Myrna (Greg) Knutson, Manvel, ND; 21 grandchildren; 34 great- grandchildren ; sisters Katherine (John) Cronin and Margaret (John) Hoopes; brother Daniel (Helen) Sweeney and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death and will be joined in Heaven with his parents Robert and Emma, sister, Patricia, brother, John, nephew Robert Cronin, niece Michelle Sweeney and great nephew, Derek Sweeney. MEMORIAL MASS: 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 5, 2012, at St. Timothy's Catholic Church in Manvel, ND. VISITATION: 5:00--7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service Tuesday, September 4, 2012, at St. Timothy's Catholic Church in Manvel. Visitation will continue for the hour prior to the funeral on Monday. INURNMENT: St. Timothy's Catholic Cemetery, Manvel, ND.