Jeffrey Sweeney

Jeffrey Edward Sweeney, beloved father and son, passed away on February 1, 2023, at the age of 62. Jeff was born in Sibley, Iowa, on July 18, 1960, to Edward and Juanita Sweeney. He graduated from Chadron High School in Nebraska in 1979 and then worked at Fischer Auto Repairs for several years.

Jeff entered the United States Army on April 2, 1986, and served until June 25, 1994, rising to the rank of E5 Sergeant. Jeff worked as a Light Wheel Vehicle Mechanic, served in Desert Storm and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal.

Following his discharge from the U.S. Army, Jeff worked as a Shipping Director for Tri-Mer Corporation in Owosso, Michigan, for 27 years.

On June 16, 1986, Jeff married Gloria Nixon of Chadron, Nebraska. To this union, one child was born April Anile Sweeney.  The couple later divorced in 1993.
Jeff was an easy-going man who enjoyed working on cars and other mechanical things as well as watching movies, which is evident by his extensive DVD collection. Jeff, who could be counted on for his honesty, had a good sense of humor and lived by the motto “Improvise, Adapt, Overcome.”

Jeff spent his last few months meeting his daughter April Sweeney of Chadron for the first time.  He enjoyed learning to golf, going to the shooting range, and bowling with her.  She even taught him how to play video games!  It meant the world to him getting to know April and spending as much time with her as possible.  A father-daughter bond was quickly formed as if they'd known each other for years.

Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Edward. He is survived by his daughter April Sweeney (Jesse) of Chadron; former spouse Gloria Sweeney, also of Chadron; his mother Juanita Dondlinger (Dennis) of Grand Island, Nebraska; brothers Christopher of Lubbock, Texas; Edward (Jessie) of Welch, Minnesota; Thomas of Omaha, Nebraska; sister Ann Kelly (Michael) of Littleton, Colorado; nephews Jason Sweeney of Wolford, Texas and Shawn Sweeney of Portales, New Mexico; and niece Ava Kelly of Littleton, Colorado.