Harvey Edward O’Brien

OBRIEN, BYER, HANNA, BROWN, FRATZKE, MELKA, BEATTY

Posted By: dbeier (email)
Date: 2/28/2008 at 23:09:19

Independence - Harvey Edward O’Brien, 81 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Friday, December 15, 2006, at his home following a short illness.

He was born on October 18, 1925, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Thomas Edward and Leila Mae (Byer) O’Brien. He grew up on the family farm near Otterville, Iowa, and attended Prairie #9 country school in Buchanan County, Iowa, and the Jesup, Iowa, high school. During World War II, Mr. O’Brien served with the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theatre. On February 22, 1948, he and the former Bonnie Maxine Hanna were married at the Presbyterian Parsonage in Independence.

Mr. O’Brien was an electrical contractor until he retired in 1977. He spent time gardening, woodworking, and helping the Buchanan Co. Historical Society on special projects. He especially enjoyed visiting and talking with friends. Mr. O’Brien was a member of the Bechter-Boies V.F.W. Post #2440 and the Sheehan-Tidball American Legion Post #30.

Mr. O’Brien is survived by his wife of 58 years, Bonnie, 2 sons, Ronnie (Mary) O’Brien of Independence, Iowa, and David (Kelly) O’Brien of Chino Valley, Arizona, 2 daughter, Judi K. O’Brien of Independence, Iowa, and Sue (Terry) Brown of Dubuque, Iowa, 6 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. He is also survived by 3 sisters, Iva Fratzke, Mary Lou Melka, and Darlene (Alfred) Beatty, all of Independence, Iowa, and 3 brothers, Floyd “Bink” (Nancy) O’Brien of Ellenboro, North Carolina, Patrick (Karen) O’Brien of Tempe, Arizona, and Richard (Peggy) O’Brien of Independence, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral Services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 19, 2006, at the First Presbyterian Church in Independence, Iowa, with Rev. John Hougen officiating. Music was provided by Mrs. Monte Cue, organist, and Mr. Monte Cue, vocal soloist.

On Monday, Dec. 18th, there was a Military Service at 7:00 p.m. at the White Funeral Home in Independence, Iowa. Burial were in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence, Iowa.