Bernadine O’Brien

GREENE — A Funeral Mass for Bernadine O’Brien, 87, of Greene, will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, Oct. 21, 2016, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Greene, with Rev. Msgr. Walter Brunkan officiating. Burial will be in the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Greene.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016, at Retz Funeral Home, 519 N. First St., Greene, with a Rosary Service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Friday, one hour before services.

Bernadine Welch was born on April 7, 1929, in Charles City, the daughter of Walter and Florence (Webb) Welch, and died Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016, at the Valley View Care Center in Greene. She received her education in the public schools and graduated from Charles City High School.

Bernadine was united in marriage to Maurice D. O’Brien on Feb. 6, 1950, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Charles City. This union was blessed with seven children.

Bernadine raised her family on the O’Brien family farm, residing there until moving into Greene after retirement. She was a long time member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Greene.

In life, her focus and passion were her family. She was most proud for being named Parents of the Year with Maurice in 1989 at Loras College in Dubuque.

Living family members include seven children: Gerald (Sue) O’Brien, William O’Brien, Mary O’Brien (Randy) Trunk, Michael O’Brien, Katherine O’Brien (Larry) Kroeger, Lori O’Brien (Dan) Moriarty, Anne O’Brien (Patrick) O’Meara; 23 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Bernadine is preceded in death by her husband Maurice in 1992; her parents; and only one sister, Margaret.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct Memorial Masses and/or donations to the St. Mary Church Flood Relief Fund.

Bernadine’s family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff of Valley View Care Center for the excellent care their mother received.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Retz Funeral Home, 519 N. First St., Greene, 641-823-4457.

O’Brien