Saturday, August 27, 2016 ~ 10:00 a.m.
St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church ~ Wahoo, Nebraska
Military Honors by U.S. Navy, American Legion #82, and VFW #4502
Private Interment
Friday, August 26, 2016
Visitation ~ 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Rosary ~ 7:00 p.m.
Svoboda Funeral Home ~ Wahoo, Nebraska
In Care of the Family for Future Designation
Terrence “Terry” A. O’Brien, 77 of Wahoo, NE, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at his home in Wahoo. Terry was born April 28, 1939 in Randolph, NE to Arthur and Florence (Ostendorf) O’Brien. He graduated from Randolph High School in 1957. He attended UNL where he received his Master Degree in Civil Engineering. Terry served his country in the U.S. Navy until he was honorably discharged in 1961. On September 8, 1962, he was united in marriage to Valerie Large in Lexington, NE. Terry was a Civil Engineer with JEO for over 30 years until his retirement in 2006.
During his years with JEO, O’Brien also made significant contributions to the engineering community. He is a life member of both the National Society of Professional Engineers and the Water Environment Federation (WEF). He has run through the leadership ranks of the Nebraska Chapter of the American Consulting Engineers Council (ACEC) and American Water Works Association (AWWA). In 2001, O’Brien was presented the Fuller Award by AWWA and in 1983 the Arthur Sidney Bedell Award by WEF, both for his contribution of time and energy to water and wastewater issues in Nebraska.
Terry was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Lion’s Club, Library Foundation Board, current President and longtime board member of Wahoo Industries, and a founding board member of JEO Building Company. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, yard work, coin collecting, PEZ collecting, and spending time on Green Lake in Minnesota.
He is survived by children: Cory (Diane) O’Brien of Wahoo and Marnie O’Brien of Lincoln; granddaughter Katelyn O’Brien of Omaha; brother Dan (Bonnie) O’Brien of Hayden Lake, ID; sister-in-law Colleen Bowers of Dekalb, IL; nieces, nephews, and granddogs.
He was preceded in death by wife Valerie O’Brien; parents Arthur and Florence O’Brien; brother Richard O’Brien.
We met Terry and Val at Park Lane Resort on Green Lake in Spicer, Mn nearly 40 years ago and remained friends from then on. Terry and Val were just a very special couple. After Val’s passing, Terry and his family continued vacationing at their Green Lake home and we always had such a great time. Terry will be missed just as Val has been, but we thank our Lord for the friendship for so many years. Our sympathy is sent to the O’Brien family. We love you all.
We are very sorry for your loss. We will always remember how kind and generous he was, and how he always made Emma feel like family.
I worked with Terry for several years. His wisdom, fairness, humor and “father like” guidance is still a part of me to this day. He affected many lives in a very positive way.
Our sympathies to the O’Brien family. Terry and Val were wonderful people. They are remembered fondly by all of the Johnsons.
Terry and Val were among the first to greet us when we joined the JEO family in 1987. We greatly valued their kindness and friendship through the following years. There is no question that Terry will be missed by family, friends, clients, and associates. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our sympathy to the O’Brien family, I would visit with Terry when we we were at our daughter Traci Chapeks home in Wahoo, really enjoyed visiting witnTerry.
Terry was a faithful blood donor at the Wahoo Bloodmobile where he donated 8 gallons of blood over the years I have served as the coordinator. JEO employees told me this week that it was Terry who got them started as a blood donor–his influence provided much needed blood for countless individuals!!
Terry served municipalities admirably in the State of Nebraska. I had the privilege of working with Terry in Seward, La Vista and Elkhorn and he provided consistent professional service. The municipality always had Terry’s highest priority – the ultimate professional.