John 'Jack' O'Brien

Jack O’Brien, age 83, of Aurora, passed away Friday, June 17, 2011 at the Plainsman Museum.

Graveside Services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, June 25th at the Aurora Cemetery. Dr. F. Cole Fowler will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 – 7 P.M. on Friday at Higby-McQuiston Mortuary. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Plainsman Museum or the Aurora United Methodist Church. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through the mortuary website at www.higbymortuary.com.

OBITUARY: JACK O’BRIEN

John ‘Jack’ Wilson O’Brien, the son of Clarence F. and Tina A. (Peters) O’Brien, was born at Aurora, Nebraska on August 31, 1927 and died in Aurora, Nebraska on June 17, 2011, at the age of 83 years.

He grew up in Aurora and attended Aurora Public Schools through the 10th grade. He did roofing work with his father prior to entering the service. Jack enlisted in the Army Air Corps as a medic during WWII. He received basic and advanced training at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. Jack was stationed at Ft. Lewis in Washington State.

Jack was married to June Lee Dunham on September 4, 1948 at Aurora. He worked at the Hamilton County Maintenance Shop. June passed away on November 24, 1993.

Aurora was Jack’s hometown even though he had been to many places while in the Army. He ran the theatre on the square for many years, being able to see a lot of movies.

Jack and his brother Bob were well known in a large area for their hobby of restoring player pianos, juke boxes, nickelodeons and calliopes. They also shared these treasures through participation in parades, the Plainsman Museum and other area activities for over 30 years.

Jack was a member of the Aurora United Methodist Church and longtime member, supporter of the Plainsman Museum. He also helped out many youth in the community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife; son, Jack Jr.; daughter, Evelyn Brandt-Ford; six brothers, Clarence Jr., George, Gerald and Bob and two in infancy and two sisters, Evelyn and June both in infancy.

Those left to cherish his memory are his grandchildren, John O’Brien III , Angela M. Brandt of Central City, Annette M. (Genaro) Vasquez of Central City and Anthony M. Brandt and Nicole of Grand Island; great-grandchildren, Amanda Brandt, Alissa Vasquez, LaDonna Cortes, Vanessa Vasquez and Evelynn Brandt and special friends, Ramona Bontrager and Karen Mahr.