Judi Sweeney 05/20/2024

Judi Ann Sweeney, age 76 of River Falls, WI passed away surrounded by family and many, as Judi would say, “awesome” friends on Monday, May 20, 2024 at United Hospital in St. Paul, MN. Judi was born the daughter of Albert and Francis (Winters) Chief in Cumberland, WI. She grew up in Cumberland and graduated from Cumberland High School with the class of 1965. Judi was married to Joe Sweeney. They were blessed with two sons, and they later divorced. Judi settled in River Falls after meeting Gordon Schaar. They were also blessed with a son, and they later separated. Judi stayed in River Falls. She went to school to be an electrical technician in 1975-76 and finished her training in 1990 while working for Viking Electronics in Hudson, WI, where she worked until she retired. Family and friends often heard the phrase “grandma loves you very much” or “mama loves you very much”. Whether you were family or not she was “grandma” to all the younger friends that came to visit. She liked to drink beer, listen to music, especially Elvis, and spend time with her sisters. Judi also enjoyed woodworking, watching movies, putting puzzles together, arts and crafts, feeding and watching birds, and coloring on her iPad. In her early years she loved shooting pool in league and for fun. Judi took pride in maintaining a nice patch of flowers. She collected everything from coins and Elvis memorabilia, to classic cars. Judi liked fishing, or drowning worms and she called it and enjoyed visiting around the campfire with family and friends, traveling, and trips to the casino. Judi was a relaxed, happy person who made friends easily. She was a Tribal Elder with the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin. She is preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Francis; and her sister, Myrna Ostenson. Judi is survived by her sons, Jeffery Sweeney, Joel (Bonnie) Sweeney, Jason Schaar; “adopted” son, Austin (Hannah Hagen) Delamater; grandchildren, Christopher (Kerri Jo) Sweeney, Joshua Sweeney, Dillon Sweeney; great-grandchildren, Shawn Sweeney, Joshua and Natalee Sweeney, Cayden Sweeney; sisters, Carol Clark, Donna (John) Mishler; two loving kitties, Petey and Emmy; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. A Funeral Service will was held at 6 pm on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services 805 E Division Street River Falls, WI.  With visitation on Thursday, June 13, 2024 from 4-6 pm at the funeral home. Please dress casually, that’s how Judi would want it. If you have anything Green Bay Packer or Elvis please wear it and share it. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

Click here to watch a recording of Judi’s service.