Jerry J O'Brien

Jerry O’Brien, 75, of Lake City passed away on July 28, 2023 at Deer Crest in Red Wing, MN.

Jerry was born on February 28, 1948 in Lake City, MN to Eugene and Frieda O’Brien. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Lake City, MN in 1965. After graduation, he attended Winona State University. In 1967, he married Karen Rabe at the United Methodist Church in Lake City.

Jerry worked his whole career as a computer programmer. His first job was at Gould in Lake City. Jerry and Karen then moved to Altamonte Springs, Florida on January 1, 1976, where he worked for NCR Corporation in Lake Mary, Florida. Jerry and Karen were always proud of the successful Amway distributorship they built while working full time in Florida. They met some outstanding people and traveled many states during that time. After living in Florida for ten years, Jerry and Karen moved back to Lake City, MN. The first few years back in Minnesota, Jerry worked for Universal Co-Op in Bloomington, and then 13 years at Red Wing Business Systems. He finished his working career at Fold Craft in Kenyon, MN before retiring in 2010.

Jerry joined the National Guards in 1966 and was honorably discharged in 1972. During his lifetime, he played with many softball teams in Florida and Minnesota and finally gave up at age 50! He loved sports of all kinds with basketball always a favorite, especially the NCAA. He also loved to study the habits of deer. He enjoyed deer hunting in various states. He proudly displays his trophy racks from states where he hunted. Even though he never farmed, he had purchased land in Wisconsin and Missouri for hunting. He enjoyed spending time on his land. He was very much involved in forestry programs.

Jerry and Karen enjoyed traveling within the U.S. Of course, Jerry loved spending time with family and friends.

Jerry is survived by: his wife Karen, sisters Judy (Gary) Brugess of Chippewa Falls, WI, Jennie Augustine of Guadalupe, AZ, and Janice (Don) Webb of Blairsville, GA, eight nieces and nephews, and nine great nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Fridia O’Brien.

Jerry was a member of the Lake City Redeeming Grace Community Church His funeral will be Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at 11 A.M.  at Redeeming Grace Community Church with Pastor Phil Schmidt Officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. Burial will be in Lakewood Cemetery, Lake City. A lunch will be served after the service. Memorials preferred to Redeeming Grace Community Church or Alzheimer’s Association.

On-Line Condolences may be placed at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com