Roland Sweeney

He was born September 30, 1938, in Marquette, Michigan, a son of the late Albert and Betty (Tripp) Sweeney. He grew up and resided in the Big Bay Area and the family later relocated to L’Anse. Roland graduated from L’Anse High School in 1956. He served in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1965. On December 31, 1963, he married Asenath Stein and they resided in Pisa, Italy where Roland was stationed at Camp Darby, serving as a criminal investigator. After completion of his military assignment and receiving an honorable discharge, the couple returned to Baraga County, building their family home in Aura in 1971. Roland was employed at Johnson Garage as a mechanic, and a foreman at Celotex for several years. In 1974, he embarked on a new profession as an insurance agent for Farm Bureau Insurance. He operated Sweeney Insurance Agency and remained with Farm Bureau, retiring in 2012 after a 38-year career. Also, during that time, he assisted his wife Asenath with the jewelry and gift store she owned and operated in L’Anse.

Roland was community minded and very involved in local events and service organizations. He would always lend a hand to help when called upon. He was a long-time member of the Aura Volunteer Fire Department, serving for 34 years, and was also one of the original members of the Baraga County Search and Rescue. He was appointed to the Baraga County Board in 1978 and went on to serve as District #4 County Commissioner for a period that spanned four different decades and over 27 years. Prior to, and after his retirement, he enjoyed being a part-time bus driver for BHK Child Development.

Roland enjoyed nature and the outdoors. Life in the Aura area was the perfect fit, having nearby family and friends brought him great joy. He was always working in his yard on the grounds (and the neighborhood road side mowing) and the gardens. He faithfully tended to and cared for the friendly deer herd that called his yard home. Spring time meant the annual red horse sucker run on the creek next to his home with visits from friends and “wide-eyed” children filled with excitement. Summer campfires in the evening on the lake shore with the grandchildren and other family members were cherished gatherings.

Surviving are daughters Tracie (John Burrow) Sweeney of Nampa, Idaho, and Cheryl (Doug) Mills of Aura; son Brandon Sweeney of L’Anse; grandchildren Rebecca (Austin) Ketterhagen, Rachel Mills, Sarah Mills, Caleb Sweeney, Kegan Sweeney, Kolyn Sweeney, Adelyn Snyder; great granddaughter Sadie Ketterhagen; special cousin and friend Terry Tripp; brother Wallace “Buddy” (Jane) Sweeney; stepsisters Eileen Glenn, Kathleen Hietala, Jeannie Kangas, and Lucille Koskinen.

His wife of 53 years, Asenath, preceded him in death in 2017. Also preceding him in death were brothers Donald Sweeney and David Sweeney, his father Albert “Bud” Sweeney, stepmother Karen Sweeney, mother Betty (Tripp) Stopel and stepfather John Stopel.

A family graveside service will be held at a later date at the Aura Cemetery with military honors. The Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family. Friends may sign Roland’s guest book or send condolences at jacobsonfuneralhome.com.