William "Bill" Sweeney Jr.

1937 - 2024

William "Bill" Sweeney Jr.

June 16, 1937 - August 15, 2024

William "Bill" David Sweeney Jr., 87, of Davenport, IA passed away on August 15th, 2024. His humor and warmth will be greatly missed. Born on June 16th, 1937, he was a loyal husband of 52 years to Donna and a loving father to David Sweeney, Brad (Katherine) Sweeney, and Beth (John) Sievers. Bill adored his grandchildren Annemarie, Eleanor, Hannah, Tierney, Abigail, Harper, and Isaac. He was also a father from a previous marriage to Debra Maakestad, Kevin (Karen) Sweeney, and Scott (Phoebe) Sweeney. Bill leaves behind numerous and well-loved nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends.

A devout Catholic, Bill was the son of William and Ethel (Walker) Sweeney. He was raised in the west end of Davenport as the youngest of five siblings who have preceded him in death: Dorothy (Paul) Schloemer, Robert (Linda) Sweeney, Mary Lou (Jim) Smith, and Jack (Betty) Sweeney. He studied at St. Joseph's Seminary in St. Louis, MO and worked diligently for 40 years at Alcoa until he retired in 1996 only to continue working there part time for another 19 years.

Bill liked his cookies crunchy, his ice cream in big bowls, his cars clean, and his lawn manicured. He listened to Johnny Cash, loved bald eagles, and had a passion for anything Irish. He was an avid golfer and was happy to have shot two holes-in-one. He was proud of all of his children and grandchildren and never tired of watching them play sports and perform. He always enjoyed visiting them in St. Louis, MO and Rochester, MN.

An honorary initiate into his sons' fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, he had an infectious laugh and could put anyone at ease. He never met a stranger and everyone he met was a friend. He was known for his humor and was always quick with a kind word.

He enjoyed snowbirding with his wife and friends in Miramar Beach, FL and was able to take his dream vacation with Donna to Ireland in 2006.

A visitation will be held on Friday August 23rd at 10 a.m. to be followed by a mass at noon and a luncheon from 1-3 p.m. All will be held at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church (2618 Boies Ave. Davenport, IA.) In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Alphonsus parish. Bill and Donna spent many hours volunteering at the St. Alphonsus fish fries, and Bill's dislike for fish lead to the creation of the grilled cheese known as the "Sweeney Burger."

The legacy of Bill's refusal to complain, boisterous laughter, capacity for joy, and positive attitude will continue to live on and grow through our memory.