BERNARD W. O'BRIEN 1926-2003

MAY, OBRIEN, LUND, SCOTT, BROWN, BAHL, JOHNSON, SVEHLAK

Posted By: Mary Durr (email)
Date: 11/12/2003 at 19:30:55

Bernard W. O'Brien

Telegraph Herald - Sep 17, 2003

Bernard W. "Bill" O'Brien, 77, of Sunnycrest Manor, formerly of 1418 Garfield Ave., died at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 15, 2003, at Sunnycrest Manor, from complications of Multiple Sclerosis.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery where military rites will be accorded by the American Legion, Dubuque Post 6. There will be no visitation. The Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main St., is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. O'Brien worked as a warehouse manager at the Eska Co. for many years until his retirement.

He was born on March 9, 1926, in Mount Ida, Wis., son of Bernard Michael and Elva Elizabeth (May) O'Brien. He married Clara J. Lund on Dec. 20, 1949, at St. Patrick''s Catholic Church, in Dubuque; she preceded him in death on Aug. 5, 1994.

He served in the Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theater. He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

Dad was a loyal Iowa Hawkeye fan throughout his life. He also loved to watch the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Cubs. His love of the outdoors allowed him, in the past, to pursue his interest in fishing and duck hunting with his son, Gary, and son-in-law, Darrell.

Our dad had such an appreciation for the simple things in life, but what he considered to be his greatest treasure on earth was our Mom, Clara, and our family. No matter what was going on in his life, even through his courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis, Dad always had a smile on his face and a kind word to help someone else through their trials. He never complained for the many difficulties he faced during his illness. He kept true to his faith through it all. Dad touched the lives of all who knew him with his compassion, strength and love.

We know how richly blessed we have been to have him as our Dad. Truly our Mom and Dad made our home heaven on earth. We will miss everything about him. What best describes how Dad lived his life each day is reflected in this quote, "Our happiness is greatest when we contribute most to the happiness of others."

Surviving are three daughters, Patricia A. Scott, of Dubuque, Bonnie L. (David) Brown, of Bettendorf, Iowa, and Barbara J. (Terry) Bahl, of Peosta, Iowa; a son, Gary W. O'Brien, of Dubuque; eight grandchildren, Christy, Carrie and Amy; Brian and Beth; and Scott, Katie and Brittany; two great-grandchildren, McKenzie and Matthew; two sisters, Merce (Fred) Johnson, of Arlington, Texas, and Maxine (Stan) Svehlak, of Duncanville, Texas; and nieces and nephews.

He also was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Darrell D. Scott; and a brother, John D. O'Brien.

In lieu of flowers, a Bernard W. O'Brien Memorial Fund has been established.

The family would like to thank the staff at Sunnycrest Manor for the loving care and friendship they extended to Dad and our family during his illness.