Ann Sweesy, 85, Mason City

Ann C. Sweesy, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully
at the age of 85 on November 11, 2024 at the Kavanagh Hospice House in Des Moines. 
 
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 am Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Epiphany Parish
– Holy Family Catholic Church, 722 N. Adams Ave., Mason City.  Burial will follow in
Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. 
 
A visitation will be held on Friday, November 22, at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126
3 rd St. NE, Mason City, from 4-6pm.  A Scriptural Wake service will begin at 6 pm.
 
Should friends desire, memorials may be left in Ann’s honor to Epiphany Parish.
 
Born on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1939, in Odebolt, Iowa, Ann was one of three daughters
born to Vigil and Jeannette (Olson) Crain. As a little girl, Ann loved vanilla milkshakes, Little
LuLu comic books, and playing with her sisters, Janice and Mary. When she was three years old,
her family moved to Des Moines, where she attended East High School, graduating with fond
memories and lifelong friendships. 
 
Ann furthered her education at Drake University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in
Education. There, she met her future husband, Michael Sweesy, a Law School student, with
whom she shared a love that spanned decades.  She and Michael moved to Mason City and were
married on August 8, 1964, at Holy Family Catholic Church, beginning a life of dedication to
family, faith, and community. Ann taught third grade at Jefferson Elementary School until the
birth of their children. Whether it was the Troika, Athenian Supper Club or The Red Llama, Ann
and Mike loved to dress up for a date night out together.  They loved sunshine and traveling to
the ocean. Kaanapali Beach, Maui was their favorite place to relax with their children. 
Ann was devastated by Michael’s unexpected passing in 1996. Nevertheless, she demonstrated
grace and courage returning to teaching after a twenty-five year break, first at Newman Catholic
and later as a beloved substitute teacher at Mason City High School. Ann continued to inspire
young minds well into her 70s. Known for her warmth, kindness, and patience, Ann left a lasting
impact on countless students over the years. 
 
Ann’s love for the outdoors was profound. She found joy in the simple pleasures of summertime,
spending warm days tending to her flowers, basking in the sunshine, and taking long walks to
appreciate the beauty of nature. A devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan, Ann’s enthusiasm for life
extended beyond the classroom and into her vibrant support for her favorite team. She loved
sports and would often call her son in California during games so they could watch it together
over the phone. 
 
Family meant the world to Ann. She was a devoted sister to Janice and Mary. The sisters would
take road trips together and vacations to Florida and South Carolina. She kept in close contact
with her children, speaking with them daily, even when miles separated them. Her heart grew
even fuller with the birth of her beloved grandson, Roman, ten months ago—a joy she cherished
deeply. Ann’s unwavering faith was the foundation of her life, guiding her through all seasons
with grace and strength.  

 
Ann will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and steadfast love for her family, friends,
and community. 
 
Ann is survived by her children, Diana Sweesy and Matthew (Paige) Sweesy; her grandson,
Roman; sister, Mary Dopf; several nieces and nephews and many dear friends. 
 
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Michael; sister, Janice Stueckrath; brother-
in-law, Robert Dopf; and nephew, Aaron Dopf.