Dean W. O'Brien

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O'Brien, Dean W. Passed away Wednesday, June 16, 2010 in Buffalo, MN. A lifelong Wisconsinite, he and his wife, Polly, moved to Minnesota in 2003 to be closer to their grandchildren, Dylan and Phoebe O'Brien. Dean was born 4/25/1932 in Waukesha, WI to Warren S. O'Brien and Elizabeth Jones O'Brien, part of a regional family of photographers. He attended Carroll College for two years, completing undergraduate and graduate degrees at UW-Madison, and serving in the Marine Corps at the end of the Korean War. On a blind date in Chicago he met the love of his life, Polly C. Eddy, formerly of Howard Lake, MN. Their many adventures together included: raising sons, Colin (Nora Cecchini of Madison, WI) and Tim (Mary Claire, Dylan & Phoebe of Rockford, MN), writing historical guidebooks, starting Artstreet Festival and the Botanical Garden Fair in Green Bay, WI, and enjoying several trips to England and Wales. His career as a journalist and mentor encompassed his tenure as Professor of Communications at UWGB, as editor of Voyageur historical journal, and as newspaper columnist for the Baraboo Wisconsin News Republic. His kindness, intellectual curiosity and gentle spirit were treasured by all whose lives were touched by his, even as dementia slowly took him away. He will be deeply missed. Dean's family extends gratitude to Park View Care Center in Buffalo, MN for their compassionate care. Memorials to be given to Park View Care Center or Guardian Angels/ Elim Hospice of Buffalo, MN. Memorial Service 10 am Tuesday, June 22 at Park Terrace/ Park View Ministry Center, 200 Park Lane, Buffalo, MN 55313. Cremation Society of Minnesota Brooklyn Park 763-560-3100

Published on June 18, 2010