Obituary of Brendan Michael O'Brien

Brendan Michael O'Brien, 14, died Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, IA. A funeral mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Newton at 10:00 a.m. Monday April 29th. A public rosary service will begin at 4:30 p.m. Sunday at the church followed by a time when the family will greet friends from 5:00 until 7:30 p.m. A public vigil service will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the church. The family will again greet friends from 9:00 a.m. until service time Monday at the church. Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Melrose, Iowa. Brendan, the son of Bob O'Brien and Molly (Hobbs) Moore, was born October 6, 1998 in Des Moines, Iowa. Brendan was raised by and lived with his loving father, with whom he enjoyed camping, the outdoors, the arts and animals. Brendan was a gifted artist and attended Berg Middle School. Brendan was well loved as a friend, a wonderful son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew and cousin and was well known for his generosity. Brendan gave generously, even in death. As an organ donor, he has given life to six people so far, two of them were small children. Brendan leaves to cherish his memory and his legacy: his father, Bob O'Brien of Newton; his mother, Molly Moore of Kellogg; his sister, Kendra (Dustin) Cupples of Newton, IA; his paternal grandmother, Rita Delanty (Bob Root) of Des Moines, IA; his maternal grandmother, Betty Modlin of Kellogg, IA; his three aunts, three uncles, two nieces, a nephew and five cousins. Brendan was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Bob O'Brien. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brendan O'Brien Memorial Fund and may be left at the church, the Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home, First Newton National Bank or Mailed to: Bob O'Brien @2501 - Rusty Wallace Drive, Newton, IA 50208.