William J. O'Brien Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

O’Brien, Mr. William J. Saginaw, MI Passed away on Monday, March 13, 2017, at Covenant Harrison. Age 85 years. Bill was born on August 8, 1931, in Saginaw, to the late William J. and Margaret (McGinnis) O’Brien. Bill graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in 1949, where he was a standout athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. He attended Ferris State College. Airman O’Brien served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He married Helen L. Breitkreitz on May 29, 1954, in Saginaw. She survives him after 62 years of marriage. Bill worked in the grocery and food sales business his entire life. For many years he was the Vice President at Vescio’s Grocery Store. He retired from Well’s (Blue Bunny) Dairy. He was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Bill enjoyed woodworking and was an avid sports fan, especially enjoying Tiger baseball and Michigan football. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren, never missing their football and baseball games. Bill’s kind and gentle personality, his infectious smile and trademark wink will be missed by many. Surviving besides his wife, Helen, are three sons and their spouses, Michael (Vanessa) O’Brien, Rockford; James (Elizabeth) O’Brien, Saginaw; Donald (Debra) O’Brien, Saginaw; seven grandchildren, Megan (Adam) North, Caitlin O’Brien, Sean O’Brien, Courtney (Brian) Soule, Christopher Farrell, Michael Gauthier and Connor O’Brien; one great-granddaughter, Piper Jennings North; two sisters, Mary (Cliff) Gehrls, Sue (William) MacLachlan; and several nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by one son, William P. O’Brien, and three sisters, Patricia, Colleen and Barbara. Funeral service will take place 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 18, 2017, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 600 Court St. The Rev. James F. Krueger will officiate with burial in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Military honor guard will be conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Air Force and American Legion Post 439. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Wakeman Funeral Home, Inc., 1218 N. Michigan Ave., Saginaw, on Friday from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., then at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be given to Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Memories and sympathies of Bill may be shared with the family on his memorial website at WakemanFuneralHome.com

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William J. O'Brien

August 8, 1931 - March 13, 2017