Michael J. O'Brien

Michael “Mike” John O’Brien, age 52 of Harrison, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, September 22, 2015 in DeKalb County, Indiana. Mike was born the son of Robert and Donna (Davis) O’Brien on December 14, 1962 in Detroit. He married Barbara Bidoul on March, 1989. Mike grew up and graduated high school from Armada in 1981. He lived in Harrison for the past 7 years with his family. Mike worked many years as a supervisor in the automotive plastics industry. He then became his own boss and created “O’Brien’s Greens and Red Machines” which was a family operated farming business. He and his family farmed 20 acres of fruits and vegetables, which they sold at their roadside stand. It was then that he found his true passion of Farmall/International Harvester tractors. He sold, restored, and repaired tractors, and even had his own extensive collection, with his goal of having one of every kind! In 2007, he decided to attend Baker College and partake in their truck driving program. His career of truck driving consisted of working at three companies. He started by driving over the road for about 4 years and then decided to take a position closer to home, so he could be with his family and friends more often. His most recent position was one that he thoroughly enjoyed. He hauled livestock for a company in Farwell called True Grit. It was there that he felt he was appreciated for all of his hard work and dedication. Mike was a member of Community Baptist Church in Harrison. He had an ear for music, he played bass guitar in a cover band with his close friends from high school and never even took a lesson. He loved all things outdoors- camping, white water rafting, pontoon rides with his family, kayaking, hunting, trapping, and fishing! He was an amazing, caring, inspiring, devoted and fun-loving man who will be extremely missed. Michael is survived by his wife Barbara O’Brien of Harrison, his daughter Jordan (Cody) Laity of Farwell, his son Nicholas O’Brien of Harrison, his father Robert O’Brien of Traverse City, his mother Donna (Richard) Lee of Harrison, his brother David of Florida, and his sister Kathryn O’Brien of Oak Park. He is preceded in death by his daughter Julia Elizabeth OBrien. A Memorial Service is planned for Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015 at 11:00 AM from the Clare Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home with Pastor Ron Callen from Community Baptist Church in Harrison officiating. Friends may meet with his family at the funeral home on Friday, Nov. 6 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM. Memorial offerings in his honor may be made to the family for Nicholas' college fund.

Michael J. O'Brien

December 14, 1962 - October 22, 2015