Arthur Sweep, age 73, of Bejou, MN, died Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at his home.

Arthur Henry Sweep, the son of Arendt and Sena Sweep, was born June 10, 1936 in Mahnomen, MN. He grew up in the Bejou area where he attended school. As a young man, Art worked on the family farm and also helped his uncle at the Bejou Service Station. Art met Lorraine Dahl while he was playing softball and they were later united in marriage on December 24, 1960 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bejou. The couple made their first home in Blooming Prairie, MN, where they worked on a dairy farm. They returned to the Bejou area and Art began driving a semi hauling grain to Duluth. He also worked several years as a foreman doing road construction for Bert Ness Construction Company. It was while working construction, Art lost his arm. This did not slow him down as he then became a fulltime farmer, raising dairy cattle and grain. He had to rebuild the farm buildings twice, once due to a fire and another due to a tornado. Art never gave up and was often heard saying "anybody could quit." About 4 years ago, Art formally retired but did not quit working. He was up at the crack of dawn each day and often drove tractor for the Dahl Brothers and helped his brother, Alvin, with farming.


Art was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bejou and served on the Township Board for many years. He truly loved farming and worked very hard with the cattle and crops. He was driving a tractor any time he could! He also enjoyed telling stories about his days working construction, while relaxing with a beer. Art could fix just about anything and spent many hours "tinkering" on projects. He had a passion for music and often played the accordion with his brothers. In his younger years, he could be found playing in a band at PTA, dances, and other gatherings. He loved to share this music with his family. Art was very proud of his children and their families. He made many wonderful memories hunting with them, traveling, and playing with his grandchildren. He also had a special bond with his dog, Precious. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

Art is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Lorraine of Bejou; two sons, David Sweep of Bejou and Darrell (Nancy) Sweep of Casselton, ND; four daughters: Debbie (Bill) Scott of St. Francis, MN, Karen (Richard) Tadych of Fertile, MN, Karol (Wes) Mills of Palmer, AK, and Kathy (Stacy) Stene of Gary, MN; one brother, Duane (Sandy) Sweep of Burnsville, MN; two sisters, Arlene Overdal of Cando, ND, and Jane (Kaylan) Smith of Midwest City, OK; two sisters-in-law, Pat Sweep of McKlusky , ND and Shirley Sweep of Mahnomen; 18 grandchildren: Darcy (Matt), Billy, Kyle, Mitchell, Chelsey (Andy), Mercedes, Madison, Morgan, Cal, Courtney, Ryan, Matthew, Aaron, Wes Jr., Ali, Zach, Isaac, Courtney; and five great grandchildren: Gavin, Jace, Kiera, Braedon, and Patricia.
Art is preceded in death by his parents, Arendt and Sena; two brothers, Dennis and Alvin; brother-in-law, Arnie Overdal; and one infant son, Arthur Jr.
Funeral services were held Friday, June 4, 2010 at 10 am at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bejou, with Pastor John Ahola officiating. Serving as pallbearers were Nathan Sweep, Jamie Sweep, Chad Sweep, Don Dahl, Brian Dahl, and Aaron Dahl. All of his grandchildren and great- grandchildren were the honorary pallbearers. Visitation was held Thursday, June 3, 2010 from at 5 to 7 pm with a prayer service at 6:30 pm at Anderson-Mattson Funeral Home, Mahnomen, MN.

Interment was at Bejou City Cemetery.