Norman Darrell Sweeney

September 14, 1946 - January 16, 2025

Norman Darrell Sweeney passed away peacefully at his home in Winnemucca NV on January 16, 2025.
Norman was born in Cedarville CA on September 14, 1946 to mother Grace (Stiner) Sweeney and father Leithead “Doc” Sweeney.
He was the youngest of 4, joining sisters Colleen and Nelda, and brother Gordon.
Norman attended Cedarville Elementary school, graduating from Surprise Valley High School in 1964.
He received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) in 1998.
He attained his black belt in Judo and became an instructor while at Cal Poly. The home he shared at Cal Poly served as a gathering place for Modoc students.
He also attended Lincoln Welding School to refine his fabrication skills.
Norman was known for his intelligence, diligent work ethic and sense of humor.
He started working for Kober’s Store in Cedarville during his 7th grade then at ranches and the fairgrounds during high school.
During college summers he worked on ranches and logging operations. He enjoyed occasional camping, fishing and humorous activities with friends and family.
He was a lifelong student of local history, prospecting and collectables.
After graduation from Cal Poly he joined the Willis Brother’s Construction in Winnemucca NV, beginning as and mechanic and equipment operator, then moving to W.M. Lyels Co. for installation of a phone cable across western Nevada and the Black Rock.
He met Laura in Winnemucca and they were married in 1971, including adopting her three children, Maryann, Chuck and Randy, then their daughter Kimberly was born in 1973.
His construction management skills were recognized at W.M. Lyels Co. with a 1974 invitation to move the family in Lancaster and then to Lodi in 1978.
They moved back to Winnemucca in 1980 and built a home when he joined Pinson Mining as the purchasing agent for 6 years prior to joining the City of Winnemucca as Public Works Director.
In the late 1980’s he started Sweeney Construction providing equipment and services to mining, road construction, government agencies, and general contracting, which he operated until his passing.
Side business included rental homes, laundromat, car wash, gravel pit, and mining claims.
He also served as the local Coroner for 10 years where he assisted with the corrected forensic identification of Peter Lassen remains in the Black Rock Desert in 1990, for appropriate internment in 1992 at the earlier California Historical marker No. 565 near Susanville CA.
Community activities included active membership in the Winnemucca Masonic Lodge. His warm heart was obvious in his affinity of keeping in contact with friends and hosting Surprise Valley class reunions at their Cedarville home.
Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Grace and Leithead “Doc” Sweeney, brother Gordon Sweeney, sister Colleen Sweeney, son Randy Sweeney, and grandson Garett Grady-Sweeney.
He leaves behind sister Nelda Sweeney Utterback of Dixson CA, a loving wife Ginger Sweeney, son Chuck Sweeney (Adel), daughters Maryann League (Michael), Kimberly Sigston (Paul), numerous grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, nieces and nephews, plus two ex-wives Laura Sweeney and Samantha Campbell with her two children Casey and Kelly Campbell, as well as many cousins and friends from Winnemucca to California.
Norman will be missed by all, near and far. Let us remember him as he would desire with smiles and laughter.
A memorial service will be held on January 28, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Surprise Valley Community Church in Cedarville CA, with Cedarville cemetery internment to follow, then a Celebration of Life potluck meal back at the Church. A
n additional Celebration of Life will be held in Winnemucca, NV in the spring of 2025 pending future date and location announcement.