Eugene M. "Gene" Sweeney

Eugene Michael "Gene" Sweeney, age 82, passed away on Friday, August 30, 2024 at his home in Dunlap, IL.
Gene was born on November 10, 1941 in Carrollton, MO, a son of Harry E. and Clara W. (Lock) Sweeney. Gene married Donna Coe on June 26, 1964 in Carrollton, MO. She survives.
Surviving family members, also include their children, Michael D. (Leann) Sweeney of Elmwood, IL and Joseph R. (Jessica) Sweeney of Fruita, CO, siblings, Dorothy "Ducky" Huppe, Raymond Sweeney, Patricia "Pat" Calvert, Margaret "Margie" E. Stober, Rita K. Bales, William "Bill" T. Sweeney, Robert "Bob" D. Sweeney, John D. Sweeney, Connie Jo Wiard and Annette Smith, five step-grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren.
His parents preceded him in death as well as four siblings, Rose Marie Lavelock, Elizabeth "Betty" Armentrout, Richard "Dick" Sweeney and Daniel "Dan" Sweeney.
Gene attended the University of Missouri and received his Master's degree in Civil Engineering. He worked at Caterpillar, Inc. from 1965-2001 as an Engineer. He spent 3 years in the Caterpillar Proving grounds in Phoenix, AZ then later worked at CAT Brazil for three years.
Gene was very proud and active in the Peoria Community. He and Donna were members and choir singers at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Brimfield and most recently members of St. Jude Church. He was an active member of CURSILLO and on the Board of the Heartland Festival Orchestra. He was involved in the Kickapoo Knights of Columbus, then later St. Jude Knights of Columbus.
Gene will be remembered fondly by family and friends. He was known as a woodworker, wine maker and gardener. He was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.
Visitation will be from 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at Wright & Salmon Mortuary. Memorial Mass will be at 10:30 AM on Friday, September 6, 2024 at St. Jude Catholic Church, with a one hour prior visitation, also at the Church. Fr. Patrick Henehan will officiate and private inurnment of ashes will follow later at Resurrection Mausoleum.
Memorials may be made to the Gene and Donna Sweeney Arts and Education Fund, through Community Foundation of Central Illinois, 3625 N. Sheridan Rd, Peoria, IL, 61604.
Friends and family may view full obituary and sign the online guestbook by logging onto www.wrightandsalmon.com