Maxine Elizabeth (Weyker) OBRIEN

OBRIEN, WEYKER, ADAM, RICE, PINTER, DECKER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 5/17/2012 at 13:04:09

February 18, 1921 -- May 14, 2012

Maxine Elizabeth (Weyker) O'Brien, 91, died May 14, 2012. Maxine was born in Clarion, Iowa, to John and Jessie Faye Weyker on February 18, 1921. Her parents, six siblings and hometown meant the world to her. Maxine spent her early years on the family farm, playing baseball with her brothers and ice-skating with her sisters. They moved to town when she was ten. Maxine played French horn in the Clarion High School Band--taking first place honors in the 1939 North Iowa Band Festival in Mason City, IA, and the National Marching Championship in Minneapolis, MN. After graduation, Maxine worked as a telephone operator for two years, then traveled to California to work at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach. When the war ended, she moved to Des Moines and worked as a secretary for Equitable Insurance. At the Riviera Ballroom, she met future husband Bill O'Brien. He was awed by her beauty and immediately told friends "he was going to marry that girl." His wish came true on August 9, 1947, at St. John's Catholic Church in Clarion. They were blessed with three children and enjoyed several happy years in St. Theresa Parish in Des Moines. Bill's job at the IRS brought the family to Kansas City in 1966. They took up residence in St. Catherine's Parish where Maxine continued to live until 2006.

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, John and Jessie Faye Weyker; her brothers Don and Buddy; her sisters June and Mary; and her husband Thomas William (Bill) O'Brien. Maxine is survived by her sister Darlene Adam and brother Jerry (Margaret) Weyker; her children Michelle (Joe) Rice, Kevin (Kim) O'Brien and Kathleen (David) Pinter. She leaves behind four loving grandchildren whom she adored: Tim Decker, Andrei and Kevin Pinter, William and Clare O'Brien. The family will miss Maxine's common- sense approach to every aspect of life. Right up until the end, her unselfish nature, iron will and strong work ethic were evident. She showed us all what Iowa farm girls are made of. Many thanks to the staffs at Village Shalom and Kansas City Hospice for their care and concern for Maxine and family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local marching band or music program.

Visitation and Rosary will be held Thursday, May 17, from 6-8 p.m. at McGilley State Line Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, May 18, at 10 am at Cure' of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Road. Burial will take place in Des Moines at a later date. McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Rd, Kansas City, MO.

Kansas City Star - Missouri
May 17, 2012