Bret O'Brien

BRET O'BRIEN

Toddville

Bret O'Brien, 61, of Toddville, passed away Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, at St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids, following an extended illness. He generously donated to the Iowa Lion's Eye Bank. Graveside Service 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 26, at Dunkard Cemetery, Toddville, by Celebrant Dawn Stephens. A Celebration of Life will take place in Summer 2022 at Sandy Beach in Solon. Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, is caring for Bret and his family.

Survivors include his daughter, Brooke (Edgar) O'Brien-Meza; grandchildren, Daniel, Sonia, David, Nicolas and Nathaniel Meza; siblings, Greg (Kandi) Peyton, Tracy (Jay) Schonberg and Vicky (Brian) Bolsinger; youngest brother, Jim (Lynn) O'Brien; niece and nephews, Jason, David, Melissa (Julian), Adam and Dillon; uncle, Al Haars; special friends, Al Meyer, Colleen Zangerle and Fred and Vicki Hardiman; many extended family members and friends; and beloved dog, Ginger.

Bret Arthur O'Brien was born March 5, 1960, in Cedar Rapids, to William James and Donna Lea (DeGreif) O'Brien. He graduated from Solon High School in 1978. Bret began working as a laborer doing landscaping, and for Doug Zangerle who took him under his wing and taught him masonry. Bret was a skilled mason, and began his company, O'Brien Masonry, in 1994. He taught and mentored many up-and-coming entrepreneurs, and even helped Cub Scouts and Eagle Scouts with their projects. Bret was skilled in the construction trade, having built his own home on ten acres and creating the O'Brien addition in 1995. He adored and was especially proud of his daughter, Brooke, for all her achievements and her service in the U.S. Air Force. He was a hard worker who enjoyed keeping busy, working on outdoor projects, and advising his daughter on her own home purchases. Bret also enjoyed to water ski, snow ski, ride horses and watch Hawkeyes football and Cubs baseball. He was an all-around good guy, always happy, smiling bright and shared a positive disposition. He never knew a stranger, would always lend a hand and gave great advice.

Bret was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, including maternal grandparents, Arthur and Vernice DeGreif; friend and mentor, Doug Zangerle; and special cousin, Paul Letts.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Trees Forever: ReLeaf Cedar Rapids. Bret diligently helped many people with cleanup following the 2020 Derecho.

Please share your support and memories with Bret's family on his tribute wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.