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Michael O'Brien Obituary
Michael served in the Air Force and Army for a combined service of over 38 years. He received the highly selective General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award given to officers demonstrating ideals of duty honor and country.
Michael prided himself in keeping physically fit with seldom missing a gym work out and conditioning for the Army 10 Miler. He strived to pass on this focus to his family by encouraging them to join in on gym workouts and neighborhood jogging. He shared his enthusiasm for the "Fightin' Irish" and Atlanta Braves and often donned the corresponding apparel. But spending time with his family was his first priority. There are early memories of him regularly trekking to local stores with the boys in search of baseball cards. He swore he could just feel a pack and would know if it contained a "special" card. There were many nights he would stay up to play "hearts" and "spades" with the kids giving them special player names on the score sheets. He attended as many of the kids sport events , school programs, recitals and plays as possible. You always knew when he was in the crowd by his unmistakable "whoop whoops" and robust cheering.
Michael loved dancing, especially the "electric slide" and karaoke to Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire". Trout fishing was his favorite hobby which sparked his cabin purchase in Blue Ridge, GA- an area that boasted trophy trout.
After his military retirement, he found joy in substitute teaching. His high school students loved him so much they voted him "Outstanding Teacher of the Year". Unfortunately, he could not receive the award since it was intended for full-time teachers only.
Mike was born to Frank and Myrtle O'Brien in Nampa, Idaho. He is survived by his siblings Steve O'Brien, Redmond, WA; Marcelene Frederick, Idaho Falls, ID; Kevin O'Brien, Idaho Falls, ID; and Pam Jensen, Las Vegas, NV.
He met his wife, Sherri Dunker, while attending Idaho State University and they were married over 43 years. They have four children: Jared O'Brien, Fayetteville, GA ; Cory O'Brien, Lilburn, GA; Mercedes O'Brien, Chicago, IL; and Jake O'Brien, Clemson, NC. He also loved his two kids from his first marriage to Melanie Kimball: Shawn O'Brien, Flowery Branch, GA and Kelly Simms, Omaha, NE.
He has 17 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter.
Memorial services will be announced at a future date. Please make any donations to the Wounded Warrior Program.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael O'Brien
4 Entries
Traci Mockli
February 17, 2026
I always thought of Mike like a big brother. Lived next door to him my whole childhood. My best friend was his sister Marcy. I spent many days over my life with the O´Brien family. Mike was always strong in body and spirit. Giving me and Marcy great advice over the years. One thing for sure, he always made me feel welcome and gave hugs that you had to brace yourself for! He will be greatly missed and is loved.
Bob Talbot
February 17, 2026
I met Mike 67 years ago. My family moved to Ammon Idaho in 1959, and my first association with Mike was in Cub Scouts, and Babe Ruth baseball. We attended Bonneville High School together and graduated in 1970. Mike was my closest and best friend through high school and into our married lives. I moved to Boise in 1979, and I lost contact with Mike until I was transferred to Pocatello in 1985. We reconnected in Pocatello and spent some good times together. We moved again and lost contact. Mike was a great friend, and I miss him . I will always remember his competitiveness. Our condolence to his family. Rest in peace my friend.
Mark Evans
February 15, 2026
Sorry to hear of Mike´s passing. We attended ISU at the same time and I remember Sherri, Kevin and Shawn.
Dennis Ruddell
February 15, 2026
High school and 2 years after (1966-1973?) was my acquaintance with Michael. Older brother Steve was how I learned of Michael's fierce competitiveness, in wrestling, neighborhood football, any game playing and over all determination to excel at any moment of "I bet you can't beat me.". Good friend, though1973 was last time to match his wits but never his brawn.
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