Kevin Edward Sweeney

Kevin Edward Sweeney, 67, passed away on Saturday May 2, 2026 at University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa surrounded by his loving family.

Kevin was born on November 10, 1958, in Dubuque, Iowa to Milton and Helen (McManus) Sweeney. He earned his undergraduate degree from Loras College in Dubuque and then received his master’s degree from Iowa State University in Ames. After graduation he began working for Wells Fargo where his career spanned until his retirement in 2021. In 1986, Kevin met and married Marilyn Martensen and their union brought son, Jeremy. Marilyn passed away in 2013.

In his free time, Kevin enjoyed golfing, traveling, attending Iowa Cubs baseball games, and trying new restaurants. He was deeply devoted to his family and supported them wholeheartedly. His appreciation for education was evident in the encouragement he gave to his wife, Annie, as she pursued and earned her Ph.D. from Iowa State University. A man of strong faith, Kevin found joy in attending services at Lutheran Church of Hope.

He is survived by his beautiful and devoted wife, Annie Sweeney, PhD; son, Jeremy Sweeney; stepson, Dingiswayo Chikhwaza; stepdaughter, Hlezipe Chikhwaza; his six brothers and sisters and their spouses; eleven nieces and nephews and their spouses; twenty-nine great-nieces and nephews; and Marilyn’s sister, Janice and her spouse.

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines with visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. and the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. The service will be livestreamed. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Monticello, Iowa will be later that day.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Print

Leave message

Kathy Johnson

05/12/2026

I really enjoyed working with Kevin in the VITA program. He was very knowledgeable and very kind and caring with the clients we served. He will be missed. Ret in peace, Kevin

Hlezipe Jade Chikhwaza

05/12/2026

Kevin, you were one of the kindest and loveliest people I have ever known. You had a gift of making us all around you smile with your humor and lighthearted spirit. The memories we shared with you will always stay close to our hearts. Thank you for the love and acceptance you showed us so freely. So heartbroken to say goodbye.

Jon Boeckenstedt

05/10/2026

Annie and Jeremy: I knew Kevin for probably about 65 years. We grew up around the corner from each other in Dubuque, and I suppose he was my very first friend.

I'm crushed by this news, so I can only imagine how difficult it must be for you. Kevin was the consummate great guy, and although our paths went in different directions over the years, it was great to reconnect with him at our class reunion in 2023. The Kevin I saw there was exactly the same guy I knew all my life, and it made me sad we'd not been in closer touch in all the intervening years.

RIP to my first friend Kevin, and godspeed on your journey.

To everyone who knew and loved him: I hope the grief we all feel at this moment will be replaced by nothing but sweet memories in short time.

Mark Schlueter

05/10/2026

So sorry for your loss. Kevin E. was nicknamed ELK in grade school by Mr. O. because we had a Kevin M. (Moose) in the same class. Elk, as his old friends always referred to him, was a kind gentle soul. I remember doing school projects together in Mr. Osterberger's class. And then laughing so hard about silly stuff on the playground with all our close buddies. Jon B. and I would meet up with him at his house on Belmont Street and we would just walk around aimlessly, eventually ending up at the store for a soda and maybe some fries from Jack's Chicken Palace. Great carefree days. I am deeply saddened by this news and while we lost contact over the decades, his name always evoked fond memories and big smiles. We loved you, Elk! Mark S. from Nativity and Wahlert H.S.

Glenna Bents

05/07/2026

Dear Dingiswayo and Hiezipe, Such sorrow was not expected to greet this day. Your mom and Kevin Sweeney were making a wonderful life together as you became part of the sweet love they gave to each other. No doubt, your loss is overwhelming to consider how your mom will be able to grieve sadness not invited into any of your lives. I saw Kevin Sweeney smile beside you and delight in the time spent building this new part of his family. When Jeremy and Dingis and Annie and Kevin traveled together you were like a family set apart showing the world how much admiration and friendship was being built into the love of a family. Kevin even wrapped his love around me, Annie's friend. Remember Kevin, a man of strong faith, beaming joy into your lives because God made him to be so likeable. Love, Glenna - a generation way ahead of your young lives and thankful to call you friends.

Glenna Bents

05/07/2026

Jeremy and Annie, I am so sorry for the loss of Kevin in your lives. He loved you two so much. One for longer than the other. One who has spent his whole life in the protection of Kevin's heart and home. One who brought young love into the lives of two people looking for the perfect person to spend forever with. Two who will cry real tears of sorrow. Two who have a chance to keep the name Sweeney loving, kind, precious, honest, and important forever. The two of you will have support of others, but no one will be able to take Kevin's place in your hearts, minds, and day to day going forward. A man of strong faith has a place prepared for him by God. His son and his wife have the opportunity to live in the presence of a strong faith believing that all who accept Jesus are safe forever. My love to you, Glenna.