Melvin Joseph Sweeney

He was born as a triplet on June 21, 1936 in Marquette, Michigan to William and Rachel (McKie) Sweeney.

Melvin grew up in Marquette and graduated from Graveraet High School in 1954.

He worked at Our Own Bakery when he met his wife, Mary Lee Basal. They were married on May 25, 1957.

Over the years he also worked at Lakeshore Engine Works, U.P. Generating Plant, and Marquette Branch Prison. He retired as an insurance agent from Farm Bureau Insurance after twenty- five years.

He enjoyed the warm winters of Florida in his retirement and eventually sold his Marquette home and lived permanently in Florida. He moved to Sault Ste. Marie last June to be near family.

Melvin was a long time member of the Elks, Moose, and Lions. He served as District Governor of the Marquette Lions Club. He was Chairman of the Board for Teaching Family Homes.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Mary Lee (Basal) Sweeney; daughter, Mary (John) Smallish of Ypsilanti, Michigan; daughter, Susan (Thomas) Hope of Brimley, Michigan; son, Thomas (Liesl) Sweeney of Roseville, Michigan; daughter Karen (Douglas) Rabine of New Haven, Michigan; fourteen grandchildren, Isaiah, Douglas, Kara, Hannah, Micah, John, Kaitlyn, Jason, Mary, Joshua, Josiah, Sarah, Rebekah, and Christah; eight great grandchildren, Connor, Alexander, Carter, Joseph, Micah, Mila, Alainah, and Isaiah; sisters, Mary Ann (Albert) Sanderson of Gwinn, Michigan, and Linda (Leonard) Holm of Punta Gorda, Florida.

Melvin is preceded in death by his brothers, William, Martin, Marvin, Robert, and Richard.

Services will be held on January 16, 2016 at Living Word Church, 2920 Ashmun St. Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

A gathering will begin at 1:00 and a memorial service will begin at 1:30.