Kathleen O'Brien

Kathleen O'Brien
November 20, 1924 - November 2, 2010

Kathleen “Katie” Rita O’Brien was born on November 20, 1924, in Marion, IA, the daughter of Edward M. and Anna W. (Timmer) Mullaley. She grew up in Marion and graduated from Marion High School in 1942. Kathleen attended Iowa State Teachers College (UNI) and graduated in 1946. Katie taught for two years in Algona, Iowa (1946-1948), moved to Oelwein and taught for two years at Oelwein High School (1948-1950). Later, Katie taught for one year at Sacred Heart School (1971-1972) then worked as a playground supervisor at Wings Park Elementary School for fifteen years retiring in 1987. Katie was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Rosary Society in Oelwein, a Eucharistic Minister, a member of Goodwill Ladies Auxiliary and a member of the Advocate Committee for Residents at Mercy Plus Nursing Care Facility.

She married Robert T. O’Brien on December 28, 1950 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion, Iowa and they celebrated 47 years of marriage. He preceded her in death on January 23, 1998. Katie was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was dedicated to her family and they were her pride and joy.

Katie enjoyed playing golf and bridge and was an accomplished seamstress and quilter. She enjoyed playing gin rummy with her family, and especially her grandchildren. She was an avid sports fan and followed the Chicago Cubs, Iowa Hawkeyes, Oelwein Huskies, and Sacred Heart Tigers. Katie enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren participate in school activities. She was an active member of the community and instrumental in establishing the Group Home for person’s with disabilities.

Katie is survived by her children, Patricia (Craig) Beyer of Holstein, Iowa, Mary (Dave) Orman of Ottumwa, Iowa, John (Martha) O’Brien of New Orleans, Louisiana, Tim (Deb) O’Brien of Cedar Rapids and Jimmy O’Brien of Oelwein; twelve grandchildren, Gina, Kristen and Kelli Beyer, Peter O’Brien, Riley and Kayla O’Brien and Paul and Jay Janson, Bobby, Michael, Chris and Amber Orman; great-grandchildren, Jamison and Parker Janson; a sister, Agnes Kelly of Sylmar, California; and sisters-in-law, Dorothy Mullaley of Mt. Vernon, Iowa and Dorie O’Brien of Dubuque, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; brothers, Bernard Mullaley and Michael Mullaley; sisters, Anna Schnoebelen and Mary Colby; and her parents.

Visitation: From 3pm - 7pm on Friday, November 5th at the Geilenfeld Funeral Home with a Rosary service at 3pm and a scripture service at 7pm.

Funeral Service: 10am on Saturday, Novemebr 6 at sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein

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Colleen Roling Brownworth & Marge Roling on November 11, 2010 at 7:48 PM said:

Patty, Mary, John, Tim, and Jimmy - We have so many wonderful fond memories of your Mom. My Mother had so many good times with Katie. She will be missed dearly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Colleen and Marge

Patty, Mary, Butch, Tim and Jimmy, on November 11, 2010 at 2:56 PM said:

I'm so sorry to hear about Katie passing. She was so cheerful and a delight to be around. May she rest in peace and my God be with you in this time of sorrow.

Sue (Angin) Burlingame

Greg Schrader on November 9, 2010 at 11:53 AM said:

Sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Thinking of you and I hope all is well.

Greg

Maribeth & Louie Chase on November 9, 2010 at 5:04 AM said:

O'Brien Family....We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. Kathy & Bob were Dear Dear Friends of the Chase Family for many years. Please know that our thought and prayers are with you all.

Sheryl Gosse on November 5, 2010 at 6:44 PM said:

To Katie's family: Sorry for the loss of your mom and a special lady to many in Oelwein. I remember your mom, as a volunteer at Mercy years ago when I worked there and also your dad while at Interestate, both very involved in the community thru out their years in Oelwein. Both always took the time to stop and visit. Treasure the memories, always be there for each other and your families and keep in touch with those still in Oelwein. Patty you grad. in '69 same year as I, we visited at our 40th.

Sue Crandall on November 5, 2010 at 6:41 PM said:

So sorry to hear about your Mom. She was a great lady and I know you will all miss her so much. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.

Cindy Moritz Zingg on November 5, 2010 at 3:09 PM said:

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I didn't know Kathleen until she went to live at Arlington Place. My mother lived there at the time and she suffers from dementia. I will always remember how kind Kathleen was to her. She would sit and talk with my mother and always made her laugh. I also enjoyed her company when I was there to visit.

Patty Suchy on November 5, 2010 at 5:50 AM said:

There are stories to tell. But I think at this point your mom and my mom are continuing their adventures above. Just hope they aren't laughing so hard that they have tears running down there legs. I miss them both.

Karen Larimer on November 4, 2010 at 8:18 PM said:

Katie and I go back many years from when the Antes Center first opened in West Union and I was Jim's teacher for nine years. At some point, the relationship developed into a friendship. Katie, Bob, Rich and I enjoyed fun times on the golf course. Our own kids also got to know Katie and Bob through the golf course and Special Olympics. Katie's friendship and laughter will be missed. I have lost a true friend.

Kathie Rogge Larsen on November 4, 2010 at 6:50 PM said:

Dear O'Brien family, I don't think I have the words to tell you how much your mom meant to all of us in the ALC family. She was such a "light". Her love and laughter will remain in our hearts and memories forever. Katie will always be remembered as my favorite Irish lady. I will miss her. The world has also lost one of the best advocates for people with disabilities I have ever known. For this alone, she is irreplaceable. She taught us so much. She brought Jimmy into our lives. We are so blessed to have known her. Thank you for sharing her with us. Blessings to all of you.
---- Kathie

Sheila Geraghty, RSM on November 4, 2010 at 12:32 PM said:

Dear O'Brien family,

What a dear person your mom was. We did a lot of laughing and crying together. She always was a wisdom woman for me. I went to see her last week. She recognized me when I got there and we chatted about each of you. She was always so proud of her children and grandchildren. I will hold you in prayer during these difficult days! Blessings, Sister Sheila

Mary O"Brien Nichols on November 4, 2010 at 5:55 AM said:

Patty and family, I am sorry to hear about your mother, she was one of the nicest people I knew in Oelwein. I have very fond memories of our youth and the time spent with your family. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time of loss.

Marianne (Mike) Headley on November 4, 2010 at 1:02 AM said:

Dear O'Brien Family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother. In all the years growing up in Oelwein, I only saw her smile and laugh!! She was a real favorite of Dad (Norman) and kept him laughing as well! I hope they're still laughing in Heaven!! Marianne Mike

Mary Thiele Fobian on November 3, 2010 at 10:21 PM said:

Patty and family, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. She was always so cheerful and kind. You are lucky to have had her with you for so many years.
Sending love and support,
~Mary (aka "Mary Ellen")

Suzette (Hurst) Foster on November 3, 2010 at 6:58 PM said:

I am sorry for your loss- I just loved your mom; When I worked at Hickory Grove- She was always so energetic & supportive & helpful to me. I will never forget her & her kind words. I will remeber the "Birdie" cage forever!

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