George William Sweeny

George William Sweeny, age 83, of Manistique, and formerly of the Boot Lake area, died on Friday morning, September 29, 2017 at the Schoolcraft County Medical Care Facility.  He was born on January 16, 1934 in Chelsea, Michigan to Donovan and Lulu (Barnes) Sweeny.  He graduated from Chelsea High School in 1952.  In 1953, he joined the Naval Reserve, was drafted, and enlisted into active duty with the US Navy.  He served in Korea during the Korean War as a Medal Smith General Third Class on the USS Elokomin.  He was discharged on July 10, 1955.  He married Doris Weinberg on May 19, 1956 and she preceded him in death in 1975.

George worked as a superintendent for Koch and Sons Sheet Metal Heating and Air Conditioning for 19 years.  On September 1, 1971 he went to work for the University of Michigan as a general foreman.  He also ran a heating and cooling business on the side, and for 17 years was an instructor at Washtenaw Community College.  In addition, he served a term as the Sylvan Township Supervisor.  He married Mary Lou Paul in 1976 and she also preceded him in death in 1988.  George retired from U of M in January, 1990.  After retirement, he moved to the Upper Peninsula.  He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Shingleton where he was instrumental in the construction and maintenance of the church and also served as the Church Council President.  He was a life member of Livingston Lodge #76 Free and Accepted Masons in Pinckney, the American Legion Post #131 in Munising, and the Royal Order of the Moose #1971 in Manistique.  He was a Boy Scout leader and a beloved baseball coach as well.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting and cooking.  He was also a member of the USS Elokomin Crewmember Association and enjoyed attending their reunions in Florida.

George is survived by two sons -  Michael George Sweeny of Pinckney, and Timothy John (Patti) Sweeny of Chelsea; grandchildren – Jayden, Evan, and Kayla; and brother Frank Sweeny.  In addition to wives Doris and Mary Lou, he was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial contributions in George’s name may be made to the Christ Lutheran Church in Shingleton, MI.

Two celebrations of life services will be held – on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at 11:00am at Chelsea First United Methodist Church, 128 Park Street in Chelsea, MI with visitation beginning at 10:00am – and on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at 2:00pm at Christ Lutheran Church at N5271 M-94 in Shingleton, MI with visitation beginning at 1:00pm.  The American Legion and Vietnam Veterans Honor Guard will conduct military honors at 2:00 p.m., just prior to the memorial service.