"Jerlynn and O'Brien family. I was so sorry to hear of Pat's passing. You have our sincere sympathy. Pat will be missed by his all of his family and friends. A good friend. John & Judy Lillis"
In loving memory of
Patrick John O'Brien
October 8, 1950 - June 19, 2018
Patrick John O'Brien, 67, of Parnell, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at St. Lukes Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Pat was born on Oct.8,1950 in Williamsburg Iowa to Bert and Anne (Collins) O'Brien. He Graduated from Williamsburg High School, Class of 1968, and attended St. Ambrose University. On June 19, 1976 Pat was united in marriage to Jerlynn Ann Donohoe at St. Michael's Parish in Holbrook, Iowa. Pat was a quiet man who left a large imprint on everyone who knew him. He had been employed by the Parnell Elevator, Jim Marten Trucking and Marengo Readymix. He was a devoted postal carrier at the Cedar Rapids Post Office for almost 30 years.
He is survived by his wife Jerlynn of Parnell, two sons, Joshua O'Brien of Montezuma and David O'Brien of Des Plaines, Illinois; a daughter Cecilia O'Brien of Hiawatha; three sisters Joyce (John) Wedlock of St. Louis, Missouri, Janet (Bill) Denton of West Des Moines and Jerri (Don) Moeller of Davenport. Also his in-laws Peg (Dwight) Gildemeister of Williamsburg, Mary Donohoe of Holbrook, Carolyn (Dale) Martens of Conroy, Deb (Paul) Thompson of Conrad and Bill Donohoe of Holbrook. He was preceded by his parents; an infant daughter Erin Kathleen; sisters Sr. Joanne O'Brien CHM, and Jeanne and husband Bill Burlage; father & mother-in-law Jerry & Kathy Donohoe; brothers-in-law Tom Donohoe and Pat Donohoe and a sister-in-law Lynette Donohoe.
Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 am on Saturday, June 23, 2018 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Williamsburg. Fr. David Wilkening will preside. A private family burial will be held at a later date in St. Michael's Cemetery in Holbrook. Visitation will be held 4-8 pm on Friday, June 22 at the Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg. There will be a prayer service at 4:00 pm. Memorials are for the family's wishes. Messages and tributes maybe left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com
Tributes
"We know how special of a man Pat was as Brother, Hubby, Dad & Uncle and co-worker to many. What a truly wonderful role model to so many of us! With Deepest Sympathy, Jodi and Kathy "
"Jerlyn, Hearing from Rita today My heart just went out to you Jerlyn. It sounds like you have had a really rough time as of late and now Pat's passing. You are such a sweetheart. My love to you and family and God Bless, Leslie Anne & Jim Sinning"
"O'Brien Family, I was saddened when I heard the news that Pat had passed. My thoughts went back to when I had started at the post office and Pat had made me feel welcome at the west station. His friendliness and humor helped me cope with the pressures of a new job. My sincerest sympathies. Kelly Steinke, carrier NE station"
"Jerlyn and family, our deepest sympathies to you for your loss. So glad I made it up to the hospital on Monday. I had the great privilege to work with Pat the majority of our careers. We had a lot of fun back in the day when we were all younger. Pat had a great sense of humor. Many, many memories of this good man. Unfortunately I am out of town for the weekend and will not be able to attend services. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Gary and Keely McAfee"
"To the O'Brien family, our sympathy to you for the loss of Pat. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. From the Leon and Rose Leinen family"
"I am so sorry to hear Pat passed away. My best childhood memories include the shenanigans of Pat and Jim ?- as well as our adventures at church. Our childhood homes have been replaced but nothing can take away our ?Parnell bond?..God has given you many challenges with the loss of many so dear.This may be your most painful chapter and I pray for uour strength. Hugs to all!!!"
"Pat's Family , I can't say enough good things about Pat as a man as a co-worker and as a friend. He made me feel welcome when I came to the West station and was always willing to help. And always taking part in the razzing. I'm sending my deepest sympathy to you and may Pat rest in peace. Judy Sanchez"
"Pat was such a "Gentle Giant". Always there to give a caring smile, thoughtful squeeze and quiet protecting presence. I got a kick out of him in his little blue car. A passerby would never have expected him to be sitting behind the wheel. LOL. What a sweetie. Jerlyn and family I'm so sorry for your loss and know Pat is missed. My son Elijah just gained another Angel to spend time with. Lisa Barth"
"Pat was such a thoughtful caring person. The last time I had a conversation with him, he had stopped by my house after my husband on passed in Feb. of this year. We had such a wonderful conversation, so glad now that I got to see and talk to him one last time. Life is too short. Will be missed. Mary Vomacka"
"Dearest Jerlynn, you have our deepest sympathies and prayers for your comfort that only Our Lord can grant. We loved Pat, the quiet man with the tender heart, and we love you. I'm sorry we aren't there with you in body but we are with you in love. Love, Theresa and Fr. Emmanuel"
"Though I hadn't talked to Pat in some time, I spent a lot of time with him during our first years at the post office. We started at about the same time and shared many great stories (and a few beers). Whenever I saw him, he always had a smile and a laugh. Jerlyn, I cannot begin to express my sorrow and sadness over his unexpected death. Stay strong -- Jacci Vollbrecht, carrier at NE Station. "
" My sincere condolences to his family and all his close friends. I worked with Pat and he always had a smile on his face. He had a good heart. May his memory be eternal. "
"You have my Condolences, Love and Prayers "
"Words don?t say enough. I worked with Pat at the Post Office. I truly enjoyed Pat. He was always willing to help out when I asked him. I remember a day when we had a fire drill. As all employees came out of the building, I was checking to make sure nobody was still inside. Here comes Pat with two boxes of bagels that were in the break room. He was laughing and said we couldn?t let them go to waste. Everyone cracked up. He was a funny, caring man. God gained another angel. To his family, I?m so sorry for your loss."