Donald O'Brien Obituary Donald Thomas OBrien, age 93, went home to his Heavenly Father on December 6, 2020. He was born in Brainerd, MN on July 17, 1927 to Earl and Althea (McIntyre) OBrien. He married the love of his life Kathleen Klein on February 23, 1952 and together they raised two children. Don was a veteran of World War II, serving from 1944 to 1946. He spent 33 years working for the Northern Pacific Railroad before taking an early disability. His true passion, however, was serving the public, a second career that spanned almost 50 years. Don served 8 years on the Brainerd City Council and received two Tower Awards. He also served on the Crow Wing County Board of Directors for over six years presiding as the Boards chair. Don and Kathy moved from Brainerd to Baxter where he spent four years as Baxters mayor. After serving as Baxters mayor, he was elected to six terms on the Crow Wing Power Board of Directors. During this time he was a Director for the United Power Association (UPA) and spent 17 years on the Board of Directors for Great River Energy. Don served on the Brainerd Public Schools Foundation Distinguished Achievement Hall of Fame Committee, The Crow Wing County Historical Society and as an election judge. He truly loved serving the people and treasured the many friendships created along the way. Don loved hunting, fishing, camping and snowmobiling. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited and a lifetime member of Pheasants Forever. He was also a member of the American Legion for over 73 years and the Brainerd Elks for 50 years. Don and Kathy are members of St. Francis Catholic Church. He loved his family and will be sadly missed by those who loved him, including his wife of 68 years, Kathy, children: Michael (Julie) and Shawn (Karla), grandchildren: Jade (Janice), Brittany (Nic), Justin (Austin) and Shawna (Joe), great grandchildren: Isabella, Mayer, Collin and Carter and one sister Nancy Samuelson. Don was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and a brother. Thanks for letting all of us share in your incredible journey! Private family services will be held at Nelson - Doran Funeral Home.