June Sweeney

June E. Sweeney, 84, of Waukon, IA, died Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Northgate Care Center in Waukon. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements.

June Emerald Sweeney was born on June 23, 1941, in Allamakee County, IA, the daughter of Clayton and Emerald (Sires) Grahlman. She attended high school in Waukon and graduated from Garnavillo High School in 1960. June married William Behrend in 1963 in Cedar Rapids, IA, and they moved to a farm in rural Waukon in 1968; they divorced in 1985. She then married Gene Sweeney and the two later divorced.

June did clerical work in her younger years. She then worked at Pamida and Shopko for 40 years, where she was an area leader. She was a member of Rossville and Zalmona Presbyterian Churches. June loved baking for friends and family, crocheting, and attending her grandchildren's sporting events and other activities, which she greatly enjoyed and rarely missed an event. She also enjoyed word searches and listening to music.

Her talents knew no bounds; she made beautiful afghans throughout the years for family and friends, including a baby and graduation afghan for all of her grandchildren. June always had several treats and delicious snacks available when her family visited. She was famous for her French toast, coffee cake, and chocolate chip cookies. She had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone.

Survivors include two sons: Herb (Vicky) Behrend and Matt (Cindy) Behrend; six grandchildren: Bill Behrend, Alex Behrend, Nicole Decker, Mariah Hendrickson, Lauryn Behrend, and Brady Behrend; five great-grandchildren: Adelynn, Emmett, Clay, Dallas, and Veyda; a brother James Grahlman; sister-in-law Sarah Grahlman; and brother-in-law Walter Kurth.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter Marsha Behrend in 1989; and a sister Janice Kurth.