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Age 86 Of St. Paul and Green Valley, AZ Died of cancer surrounded by his family at home on November 23, 2012. Service arrangements are pending. Dan O'Brien was born Jan. 6, 1926, in St. Paul, the son of Daniel W. and Kathryn (Zenk) O'Brien. A 1943 graduate of Cretin High School, he enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17. After attending University of Dubuque and Iowa State, he graduated from midshipmen's school at Northwestern University. Achieving the rank of Ensign, he served as a CIC officer on the destroyer U.S.S. Moale DD693 in the Pacific. In 1949, he received his law degree from the University of Minnesota and began practicing law in Bemidji. In 1950 he opened his own law office in Minneapolis, later becoming a partner with Randall, Smith & Blomquist in 1955. He married Sallie Stoltze on June 20, 1952. They were blessed with four children and cherished each other's company for more than 60 years. He left his law practice in1964 after being enlisted to join his father-in-law John R. Stoltze in running F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Company and Maple Island, Inc. He subsequently practiced of council with Doherty, Rumble & Butler for many years. In 1964, he also became a member of Young Presidents' Organization and later served as president of the Twin Cities Chapter. At the time of his death he was Chairman of the Board of the family companies. He served on a number of community and business boards, including time as treasurer of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra board. He was active in a number of CEO groups, volunteering in many leadership roles before semi-retirement. Dan loved camping and traveling. Many family vacations were spent in a station wagon loaded with tent, equipment and kids. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed duck and pheasant hunting, fly fishing, skiing and tennis. He traveled to all corners of the United States and the world with Sallie. In later years he would proclaim, "I have been just about everywhere and done a lot of things. I've had a great life". Above all, Dan was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Sallie; daughter, Bridget (Mark Nelson) O'Brien of Marshfield, WI; son, D. William (Julie Smendzuik-O'Brien) of Maplewood; son, Kevin (Mary) of St. Paul; and son, Tim (Chris Anning) of St. Paul.; grandchildren, Peter and Katy Nelson; Stephanie O'Brien; and Maureen and Connor O'Brien; nephew Jerry Paukert; niece Jeannette Peterson; and sister-in-law, Carolyn Benepe. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Katherine Paukert. Memorial gifts may be made to the Dan and Sallie O'Brien Fund of the St. Paul Foundation.
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Dear Sallie and family,
It was our privilege to get to know Dan and learn through him in YPO and WPO. Those organizations were important to him, and he participated in them with gusto until the end. We are the better for having known him.
Karen and Franz Altpeter WPO
Karen and Franz Altpeter
December 3, 2012
Joel and Cindy Shapiro, WPO, offer our sincere condolences. We enjoyed being in his company at WPO events
December 3, 2012
We truly value the wonderful times we have had with you and Dan, Sallie. We think of all the travel memories you can always enjoy. Our love and prayers are sent to you and your family. Sharon and George Carisch...Naples, Fla.
December 2, 2012
Dear Sallie and family,
Dan was such a wonderful man. I'm truly sorry for your loss.
Sharon (McNamara) Dalmasso
December 1, 2012
Dear Mrs. O'Brien and the O'Brien clan - Please know that our hearts and prayers are supporting you as you grieve the passing of Mr. O'Brien. "Death is not the path to darkness. It is putting out the lamp because the dawn has come."
Bob and Marilyn (Smendzuik) Rice
November 26, 2012
Dearest O'Brien's - so sad to hear that Dan has left us. Was a joy to know him and call him "friend." He will be missed.
Loving thoughts,
Nancy & Bailey Seida
November 25, 2012
May I offer my thoughts and prayers to the extended family of Daniel. As a classmate of "BIG DAN" as he was known by the people in the Cretin High Class of '43, he was one of the most gentle and thoughtful people I have ever known.
Eugene Vogel
November 25, 2012
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