Marjorie Ann (Thurm) O’Brien, 02 Jul 1940 - 23 Jan 2021

O’BRIEN, THURM, HAIGH, SCHAFBUCH, JOHNSON, ROTH, CARL, SEAN, EHLEN, SPENCER, CHEKAL, CLEMENT, HINSCHBERGER, GRUNDMEYER, KENDALL

Posted By: Sarah Witte (email)
Date: 2/1/2021 at 12:33:48

Marjorie “Marj” Ann O’Brien, 80, of Belle Plaine, IA passed away Saturday, January 23, 2021 at the home of her daughter and son-in-law after a long battle with COPD.

Marjorie was born July 2, 1940, the daughter of Mark and Nina (Haigh) Thurm. She grew up in Manchester and graduated from Manchester High School in 1958. She was united in marriage to Jack O’Brien on December 26, 1959. They were blessed with five children, whom she cherished and was most proud of.

Marj graduated from Paris Beauty Academy and later owned and operated her own salon. She also worked as a bookkeeper at Palco Livestock Equipment, as a clerk in the Benton County Auditor’s Office and retired from the Delaware County Treasurer’s Office.

Marj’s greatest joy was spending time with her children and grandchildren, along with her many family and friends. She also enjoyed gardening and traveling, and was fortunate enough to have traveled to all the places she ever wanted. She loved spending time in Florida with her friends at Avion Palms.

She is survived by her sons, Mark (Paula) O’Brien of Elberon, Mike (Tina) O’Brien of Belle Plaine; daughters, Sherrie (Scott) Schafbuch of Victor, Susie (Drew) Johnson of Belle Plaine and  Nancy (John) Roth of Luzerne; twin brother, Mark (Diane) Thurm of Marion; grandchildren, Jessie and Steve Carl, Ryan, Sean (Tawny) and Taylor Schafbuch, Jack (Paige), Molly (Ben Ehlen) and Matt (Allyson) O’Brien, Vince (Mariah), Spencer and Connor Roth, Tyler (Shelby) Chekal, Zack (Katelyn) Clement and Makenzie O’Brien; great-grandchildren, Jake, Jaylee, Jace, Landon, Lauryn, Cayman and numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends and bonus son, Bruce Hinschberger.

Marj is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack O’Brien (July 1, 1979); sister, Patricia Grundmeyer and brother, Steve Kendall.

The family extends a very special thank you to Marj’s angel, Haley Coats. They would also like to thank Essence of Life Hospice, especially Jessica and Melissa.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 29, 2021 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Chelsea with Father Dennis Conway officiating. Service will be livestreamed through Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral Service Facebook page. (Link at the bottom of the funeral service website home page, www.neuhausfuneralservice.com.) Private family burial will take place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Ryan, IA.

Visitation is 4-7 p.m. Thursday, January 28th at Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral Service, Belle Plaine with wake service at 7 p.m.

Please be mindful of everyone’s safety, respect social distancing and mask required. Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral service website.

Published in The Gazette on January 25, 2021 and in The Hometown Current on January 27, 2021.