John Philip O'Brien

John Philip O'Brien, age 87, passed away peacefully to be with his Savior on November 12, 2025. His wife Darlene and two of his daughters, Karol and Margaret, comforted and prayed with him at the time of his passing at St. John's Hospital in Springfield Illinois.

John was born December 26, 1937 in Melrose Iowa. The eldest of four children to Philip John O'Brien and Margaret Jerome O'Brien (Carmody). He attended Melrose Elementary School and Melrose High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) at Iowa State University. He was a lifelong student and loved learning. Over the years he earned advanced degrees at the University of Illinois, Illinois State University, Millikin University, Sangamon State University and Richland Community College. He began his Engineering career at Illinois Power Company and worked in a variety of technical, managerial and consulting roles until he retired. John was instrumental in the development and startup of the nuclear power-plant in Clinton Illinois and consulted on other nuclear plants throughout the United States and Canada.

In addition to his work, John enjoyed reading, collecting books, Ham Radio and tracing his family history through genealogy research. He and Darlene spent many years wintering in south Texas where he got involved with city council, and helped publish and update the park's website. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, playing games, reading books, and sharing his sense of humor. He lovingly left his mark on his whole family.

John is survived by his wife Kathryn Darlene O'Brien (Hannam), daughters Karol (Punit) Kalra, Susan Smith, Margaret Aman, and son Daniel (Danielle) O'Brien. Also surviving are 11 Grandchildren and 18 Great Grandchildren as well as his sister Patricia Ross.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Catherine Elizabeth O'Brien, one grandchild Christopher Aman, his parents Philip and Margaret (Carmody) O'Brien and his brothers Bob and Dave O'Brien.

John is now at rest in the presence of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Melrose, IA, with John's family present to greet family and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Melrose, IA, with Father Ron Hodges officiating. Burial will follow services at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Melrose.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to St. Patrick's Catholic Church or Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Melrose.