John D. O'Brien

John Daniel "Hub" OBrien, age 87, of Hastings, Minn., passed away peacefully on Friday, June 13, surrounded by his family. John, son of Paul and Catherine (Dekart) OBrien, was born on December 20, 1926, in Au Gres, Michigan. He was the second youngest of eight children. In 1934, Hubs family moved to "Cowtown" in Hastings, Minn., where he grew up. In 1944, Hub joined the United States Navy and served for two years in the South Pacific during World War II. Hub was united in marriage to his "Redhead," RaeMary Dolan on February 6, 1949, in Hastings, Minn. The couple celebrated their sixty-fifth wedding anniversary this year with their family. Their marriage was blessed with eight children, fourteen grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. Hub was a partner in the MacOB Bar as well as the Color Lab, both in Hastings, Minn. He also worked as a stock clerk at 3M and retired after 38 years. During his retirement, he enjoyed coffee with his friends at Links Caf. He also loved spending time with his family, especially cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events. Hub is survived by his loving wife, RaeMary, eight children, Deb (Jack) Eckmann of Oregon, John (Joan) OBrien of Hastings, Patty Roehl of Hastings, Kathy Tukua of Cannon Falls, David OBrien of Apple Valley, Jim OBrien of Hastings, Laurie (Jeff) Swiggum of Lake City, and Julie Pool (Tom Hanson) of Lakeville, fourteen grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. Hub is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Catherine, his five brothers and two sisters, son-in-law, Cary Roehl, and many dear friends Hub will be remembered as an avid bird-lover, witty story teller, and a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Visitation will be held Thursday, June 19, 2014 at 10 oclock AM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church 2035 West 15th St. in Hastings, MN. Funeral Service will follow at 11 oclock AM. Interment, with Military Honors provided by the Hastings VFW Lyle Russell Post #1210 will follow in the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Cemetery, Hastings. Arrangements were with Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home of Hastings, Minn.