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BORN
1988
DIED
2019
FUNERAL HOME
Koley O'Brien Obituary
Winneconne - Koley James O'Brien's life was tragically cut short on late Monday evening at the young age of 30 years old. With the loss of Koley the world now has one less amazing, talented, and genuinely loving individual. Jesus welcome Koley to his new home where he now will have the opportunity to continue making music with the angels in heaven.
Koley was born to James and Sandra O'Brien on August 21, 1988. He forever called us the three musketeers. Ever the active child, Koley loved to swim, play soccer, basketball, golf, track, and whatever other sports kept him active. It was in his early teen years that he discovered his true passion in playing, writing, and performing music.
Anyone that knew Koley saw how truly exceptional his song writing and performing skills were; to see him play his music was to see him in his purest form.
Wherever he lived, whether in Winneconne, San Francisco, Minneapolis, or Los Angeles, he amassed loyal and valuable lasting friendships due to his charisma and genuine love for life.
Koley is survived by his parents, James and Sandy O'Brien; his sister, Angela O'Brien Kestell and brother-in-law, Douglas Kestell, and their three children, Aubrey, Oren, and Isabella; his honorary brothers, Mike DeAngelo and Jim Fairchild; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and special friends who he loved spending time with.
A visitation for family and friends will be on Saturday, April 20, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Mueller Funeral Home 904 E. Main St. Winneconne. A Christian funeral service will be held on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Mark Albrecht officiating. In the future there will be a celebration of life.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial for the Winneconne High School Music Program is being established.
Written by Koley O'Brien: "Beneath my skin is a shield which protects a flowery field surrounding my heart, and it beats like an Army."
"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make…"
If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfh.net.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Koley O'Brien
Sponsored by Mueller Funeral Home.
Bev/Jeff Blank
May 9, 2019
Sandy and Jim my heart is absolutely broken for the loss of your beautiful and special son. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God welcome him into His loving arms and bless all his loved ones left behind. God bless and give you strength
Kathleen Mutschler
April 24, 2019
Kathleen Mutschler wrote on April 20, 2019
Your news has been devastating. Since your call last week, I carry you with me through my day, wonder how you're doing. I can't imagine what this is like for you to loose your son. So handsome, with talent most of us dreamed we had. A future of hope and so much life to be lived. I never had the opportunity to meet Koley, I know now though, that the harmony in heaven is exquisite with a perfect twist. Please know that everyday I pray for you and your beautiful family living through such tragedy. May you be wrapped in the Lord's arm's, where you'll have comfort only known by you. You have all the prayers and love that I can extend, until the next time we get together. I love you Sandy, Kathleen
Jef Zachow
April 23, 2019
Jim and Sandy, So sorry to here of the sudden passing of Koley. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.
April 22, 2019
Our deepest sympathy to your family. Koley's talent and personality will be warmly remembered. May God surround you with His comfort and peace in your time of sorrow.
Marilyn and Jim Wolf
Beautiful!
Freundl Family
April 21, 2019
Our family is so saddened by the passing of Koley, our beloved family friend. We all have so many great memories over the years and will forever cherish in our hearts. We love you.
April 20, 2019
Dear Jim and Sandy,
Aloha na Hale o 'Oukou i Makamaka 'Ole
"Love to your home which has lost a member."
Wishing you comfort and love at this time of sorrow.
Koley's light will forever shine!
With Deepest Sympathy,
Jim Steckling and Pat Eli
Tom Driscoll
April 20, 2019
Jim and Sandy,
We are deeply sorry about the loss of Koley. He was such a remarkable human being on so many levels. His life,
legacy, and music will live on in the hearts of the many he has touched. May you take comfort in the love of friends and family during this difficult time.
Tom, Kylie, and Noah Driscoll
David Jerabek
April 20, 2019
My condolences and love to the O'Brien family and all of Koley's close friends. One of the highlights of my student teaching experience in Winneconne was meeting Koley and all of his bandmates in Silent Point. I still have the band's CD he gave to me 14 years ago, and I've been playing it a lot these past couple of days as I remember him.
Eva Ramirez
April 20, 2019
Dear O'brIen family,
I worked with Koley at Thrivent and I had the pleasure of having a desk right next to him. The minute we met we clicked as friends. He had such a bright personality and spirit. The world has truly lost the most wonderfully talented and amazing person. He can now start a band in heaven singing with some of his musical inspirations and sing for the angels. He may be gone but his song will forever be in our hearts.
God bless
Dorothy Zerbe
April 20, 2019
Sandy was my dental hygienist, and I never met Koley. But when I would go in for an appointment, she would always tell me about Koley and his musical journey, so I felt like I had a little glimpse into his life. Rest in the light, Koley - I pray you will find multiple ways, musical and otherwise, to speak to your Mom and keep her in the groove. Thank you, Jesus, for caring about when we lose someone we so dearly love. Please teach us how to keep that love alive and deep. Please help Koley's family and friends to grieve well, and to grieve deeply, as they need to. Please especially hold Sandy in your arms. ~Dorothy Zerbe
April 19, 2019
We were so saddened to learn of the loss of Koley. It seems like yesterday he was in our basement playing his guitar,singing, and of course laughing! Even in High School his guitar and song writing skills were off the charts! Heaven is truly a better place with him in it. God bless you all. With deepest sympathy.
Keith, Doreen, & Chad Johnson
Junille Hintz
April 19, 2019
Jim and Sandy,
Words cannot express the shock of hearing the sad news of Koley's passing.
God is taking care of Koley now.
I ask God to take care of you and keep you both strong.
Love and prayers always.
Junille and Jeff Hintz
Angela Simons
April 19, 2019
Dear O'Brien family,
I was so saddened to learn about Koley's passing and I am so very sorry for your loss. Koley and I had worked together at Thrivent and I am grateful I had the opportunity to meet him. He was one of the most sincere, genuine and kind individuals I have had the pleasure of knowing.
I am praying for you to find peace, however difficult that may be at this time. I know he has touched so many and made a lasting impact. I will forever be grateful that I met Koley, even if that time was brief. I will continue praying for you all.
Warmest condolences,
Angela Simons
Rhonda Engel
April 18, 2019
To my sister Sandy and brother-in-law Jim,
May you find comfort knowing that Koley loved you both to the fullest. You gave Koley the gift of a beautiful voice and that shows thru in the music he wrote and sang. How ironic is it that his song will be playing on MTV Monday night. May you both find comfort knowing that he is now in heaven singing his heart out. Koley will live on in our hearts forever! Hugs!!!
April 18, 2019
Our deepest sympathies...so much love for Koley!
The memorial donation to the music department is just amazing...
With Love,
Peggy and Rob Larson
April 18, 2019
Sandy and Jim,
We know how loved Koley was by the both of you. He was so blessed to have the both of you and he knew it. He was lucky to have parents who let him live out his dreams, that's just one of the gifts you gave him. He's in heaven with a lot of great people singing away.
Love & Prayers always,
Scott & Linda Morey
Neenah
Mike & Patti Kruse
April 18, 2019
Our deepest condolences to the O'briens. Koley had a way of lighting up a room. He will be missed! Thoughts and prayers for the family!
April 18, 2019
We are heartbroken over the sudden loss of our nephew Koley. Like so many people are saying, he had a special brightness to him and of course, that smile and that voice. He was also unique in that he had the courage to follow his heart and his dreams. We will cherish his memory and his music will live on!
All our love,
Rick and Tracy Steckling and family
Sarah Wrasse
April 18, 2019
My deepest sympathy to Koley's family and special friends. I had the pleasure of knowing Koley while teaching in Winneconne and will forever remember his smile and charisma! Heaven truly has a wonderful new angel!
Deborah Wittwer
April 18, 2019
I worked with Koley at Thrivent. He always had a smile on his face and kind words or a hug if needed. He will be missed by many. May his family find peace knowing that he was so loved and respected by many. A Beautiful Soul.....Peace.
Dawn Derouso
April 18, 2019
So sorry for everyone! My good friend Cindy Neuber talked about him all the time. And was very proud of him! He will be deeply missed! But his music lives on!!!
Kurt & Michelle Keberlein
April 18, 2019
My wife babysat for Koley in his early years in Menasha. He became part of our family and he and my son were best of friends. We did not get the opportunity to see him much lately but would follow his adventures on facebook. He was such a wonderful young man and will be missed. One of my favorite memories is when Jim and Sandy took Koley and my son Justin to see the Elvis impersonator at Peck's Plantation. Jim and Sandy we can't express enough our sadness for your loss.
lori kieper
April 17, 2019
We truely lost a wonderful and loving man, and heaven has gained another young angel! Go find Andy and have some fun up there! Love you. Sandy and Jim, lean on each other, you both are going thru this.
April 17, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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