Donald O'Brien

DONALD E. O'BRIEN

Marshalltown

Dr. Donald E. O'Brien, 81, went to heaven Feb. 28, 2016. He passed, surrounded by the comfort and love of his family at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, at St. Henry Catholic Church in Marshalltown.

Donald was born July 26, 1934, in Newton Township of Buchanan County, Iowa, to L.J. and Rose (Burke) O'Brien. He was the last survivor of five children.

In 1955, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1958. Shortly thereafter, Donald married his love, Berneta Godard, on Aug. 1, 1959, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. With this union came five children, Connie, Margaret, Teresa, David and Janice.

In 1960, he attended Iowa State Veterinary Medical College, then went into practice in 1966 in Allison for 22 years. Afterward, he worked for the USDA until his retirement.

Donald and his wife, Berneta, moved to Marshalltown in 2000 to be closer to their beloved family.

Donald enjoyed playing cards, fishing and volunteering for Meals on Wheels. He was a member of Knights of Columbus, AVMA, Lions, Elks, AMVETS and Optimist Club.

He will be missed by his wife of 56 years, Berneta; his children, Connie O'Brien, Margie (David) Jass, Teresa Johnson, David (Lynde) O'Brien and Janice (John) Morrin; 11 grandkids; and three great-grandkids.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Robert, James (Rosie), Father Joseph O'Brien and Patricia (Butch) Green.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Lung Association of Iowa.

The family would like to express their gratitude toward Mercy Hospice for their extraordinary care and support during this time.