O'Brien, Richmond T. 1897 - 1952

OBRIEN, BLANCHARD, SPARKS, BLACKWELL, REGAL

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 4/9/2025 at 02:04:37

Clayton County Register, 31 July 1952.

MCGREGOR: R. T. O'Brien, 55, well known McGregor business man and state income auditor died July 17 at the St. Mary's hospital in Rochester, Minn., after an emergency operation. Funeral services were held Saturday, July 19 at St. Mary's church with the Rev. Francis Phelan officiating. Military graveside rites in St. Mary's cemetery were conducted by the American Legion.

Richmond T. O'Brien was born July 08, 1897, at McGregor, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Ed. O'Brien. He spent his entire life in McGregor, except when he served in World War I.

He married Kathleen Blanchard of Waukon on April 06, 1920. They have two sons, James and Robert.

"Stich" went into the restaurant business here in 1920 and later was a painter. He was employed by the C.M. St. P. & P. Railroad until an accident caused the loss of an arm. In 1930 he went into the insurance business and for the past 15 years he has been a field auditor for the state income tax division.

He was a member of St. Mary's church, Knights of Columbus, the Elks, a charter member of the McGregor post of the American Legion and the Kiwanis club. He took an active part in civic affairs.

Surviving besides his widow are two sons, James R. of Billings, Mont., and Robert W. of Topeka, Kansas; his mother, Mrs. Ed. O'Brien of McGregor; two brothers, Frank of McGregor and George of Waterloo; three sisters, Mrs. Kenneth (Louise) Sparks, Mrs. Alan (Annette) Blackwell and Mrs. Ed. (Ruby) Regal, all of McGregor, four grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

His father and one brother, John, preceded him in death.

Officials and co-workers from Des Moines and friends from over the state as well as from McGregor and neighboring towns attended the funeral services.