O'Brien, Frank R 1894 - 1974

OBRIEN, CAROLAN, FISCHER, ROONEY, ORRIS, FRANCE, COSGROVE

Posted By: Norman Hjelmeland (email)
Date: 6/14/2021 at 19:36:59

A well-known Decorah man, Frank R. O'Brien of 409 Day Street died August 28 at the Winneshiek County Memorial Hospital at the age of 80.
A native of Bluffton, Mr. O'Brien had lived in the Decorah area all of his life, and at the time of his death was employed at the Jack and Jill Grocery.
Mr. O'Brien was noted for his ability as a "fiddler" and had played in many contests. He was the leader of the Frank O'Brien Orchestra which played at the Nordic Fest and for square dancing around this area.
Mr. O'Brien belonged to St. Benedict's Church and was a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He also was a World War I veteran and was honored in 1968 as a 50 year member of Post No. 163 of the American Legion.
He was educated in the rural schools and attended Valders Business College and Colombia Academy in Dubuque, Ia. now known as Loras College. He also taught in the rural schools after graduation.
Father Ed. Lechtenberg conducted the funeral mass for Mr. O'Brien Saturday, Aug. 31 at St. Benedict's Catholic Church with burial in the St. Benedict's Cemetery. Pallbearers were Raymond O'Brien, Leo McConnell, Harold Cronin, Robert Houlihan, Wayne Osmundsen and Oscar Dahle-Melsaether. Alan Sensor was organist, and Mrs. W.D. Willer was soloist. Olson-Fjelstul Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. O'Brien is survived by his wife, the former Bessie Carolan. The couple were married November 18, 1919 at St. Benedict's Church. Other survivors are four sons, Robert, at home, Eugene, Cedar Rapids, Ia., Stephen, Dubuque and Leonard, Iowa City; four daughters, Mrs. Roger (Mary) Fischer, Clutier, Ia., Mrs Charles (Marcella) Rooney, Decorah, Mrs. Donald (Loretta) Orris of Cedar Rapids, and Mrs. Steven (Rose Ellen) France, Calmar; 32 grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. Harry (Nell) Cosgrove, Cherokee, Ia.

Decorah Public Opinion, September 3, 1974

Saint Benedict Cemetery
 

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