Obituary of Richard A. O'Brien

Richard A. O’Brien Age 73, of Spencer, passed away Saturday afternoon, January 12, 2013 at Ministry Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 7PM on Thursday, January 17, 2013 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Spencer. The Rev. Jesse Burish will officiate. Committal services will be held privately at a later date. Visitation will be held from 5PM until time of services on Thursday at the church in Spencer. The American Legion Post #54 of Marshfield will provide military honors at the church following the services. Acting as his pallbearers will be Joel and Dustin Schellinger, Randy Kaiser, Andrew O’Brien, Jim and Joey Kittel. His honorary pallbearers are George O’Brien and Shawn O’Brien. Life Tributes Funeral and Cremation Service in Spencer is assisting the O’Brien Family. Richard was born September 20, 1939 in Colby, the son of the late James and Lila(Boyer) O’Brien. He attended Taft’s Country School in Clark County and later St. Mary’s Parochial School in Colby finishing his education at Loyal High School. On March 3, 1958, Dick entered the United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country until his discharge on March 2, 1961. After his honorable discharge, he returned to the area and married Jewell Kroening in the chapel at St. John’s Catholic Church, Marshfield on June 2, 1962. Employment included driving thousands of miles over the road as an owner/operator in trucking along with driving for various area trucking companies. Prior to his retirement due to health conditions, Dick had been working part-time at Mid-State Truck in Marshfield. Fishing, camping and just sitting on his deck watching the birds were just some of his hobbies. He loved coordinating those wonderful trips to Las Vegas, offering his time, talents and support at the High Ground Memorial in Neillsville and supporting the U.S. Marine Corps. His greatest loves were his wife Jewell and their family, the grandchildren he loved spending time with, his Canada fishing trip and his trip to Ireland with cousin George. Dick and Jewell were foster parents for over 40 years and helped over 100 children. Dick had a way of keeping a straight face while telling some of the best “one liners” in history which brought smiles and laughter to everyone. For those that truly knew him, a shot of whiskey and a beer was just fine with Dick. He will be missed. Dick was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church, Spencer and the American Legion Post #54, Marshfield. Survivors include his wife Jewell of Spencer, his children: Theresa (Joel) Schellinger of West Bend; Mike (Tracy) O’Brien of Chili; Andrew O’Brien of Marshfield; GySgtJim (Kayla) Kittel of Patuxent River, MD and Joey Kittel of Marshfield; his grandchildren: Dustin and Matthew; Shawna, Siara and Onalee his siblings: Kap (Herbert) Rueth of Parma, ID; James O’Brien of Spencer; Wayne (Nancy) O’Brien of Marshfield; Pat (Bill) Lindner of Greenwood; Ronald (Kay) O’Brien of Marshfield and Becky O’Brien of Madison. He is further survived by special friends: his cousin George O’Brien and Randy Kaiser; his basset hounds: Major, Wilbur, Boo and Speedy; and countless other relatives, friends and comrades. Richard was preceded in death by his parents James & Lila O'Brien and a granddaughter Amanda Schellinger. Memorials in Richard’s name are being accepted to his family, the High Ground Memorial or The American Legion Post #54 of Marshfield. Visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com to share thoughts and condolences. .