George O'Brien

George Arlene O’Brien, 93, of Alexandria formerly of Spicer, died Friday, October 3 at Edgewood Vista in Alexandria. His memorial service will be 2:00 pm, Monday, November 3 at Johnson Funeral Home in New London. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in New London. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in New London. www.hafh.org  

George Arlene O’Brien was born on June 21, 1932, to George W. and Violet (Dietrich) O’Brien in Superior, Wisconsin. Throughout his childhood, the family moved frequently due to his father’s work before eventually settling in Minnesota. George attended De La Salle High School in Minneapolis, graduating in 1950.

Following high school, George proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean War. His time in the military was something he carried with deep pride throughout his life. After his service, George continued his education at the University of Minnesota, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in forestry.

On June 27, 1957, George was united in marriage to Dorothy Kalberg of Montevideo at a ceremony in Crystal, Minnesota. Together they were blessed with three sons: Michael, Gregory, and Bradley.

Over the years, George’s work and life took him to many places across Minnesota. He first settled in Cross Lake, where he built cabins on area lakes. Later, he moved to Shakopee, where he worked as a developer and continued building homes. From there, he relocated to Buffalo, where he owned and operated an A&W restaurant. Eventually, George moved to Spicer, where he semi-retired and followed a new calling—becoming a minister with the Assemblies of God Churches. His ministry led him to preach in several countries, a source of great joy and fulfillment in his later years.

At the age of 48, in 1980, George became a Christian and developed a strong, enduring faith that guided the rest of his life. After fully retiring, he moved to Alexandria to be closer to family.

George was a man of deep faith and many interests. He loved hunting and fishing, snowmobiling, and flying small aircraft’s. He especially cherished time spent duck hunting in the Dakotas and Canada.

He is survived by his son, Brad O’Brien and Jill of Alexandria; granddaughter, Ashley (Riley) Thramer and their daughter, Elsie of Brainerd; granddaughter, Kaylee (Jack) Beachler and their daughter, Lillian of Clark, SD; daughter-in-law, Annette O’Brien; grandchildren: Kyriann Harding, Shannon O’Brien, Shawn O’Brien, and Samantha O’Brien; 7 great grandchildren. He is further survived by his sister, Nancee O’Brien of Marco Island, Florida; and nephew, Todd Bruntjen of Golden Gate, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; sons, Gregory and Michael O’Brien; his parents, George W. and Violet O’Brien; and brother, James O’Brien.

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