Kay O’Brien
Kay Irene O’Brien age 78, of Marshfield, passed away late Wednesday evening, September 30, at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, 201 West Blodgett Street in Marshfield. Visitation will be held at church from 9 a.m.to 11 a.m. prior to Mass. Immediately following Mass luncheon will be at the American Legion in Marshfield. Burial will take place at McMillan Memorial Gardens, Marshfield, at a later date with family.
Kay was born February 21, 1948, the daughter of Edward D. Klinke and Olive J. Klinke (Keller) in Greenwood. She was the youngest of 13 children. Her paternal grandparents were Frank and Katherine Klinke, and her maternal grandparents were John and Gertrude Keller. She was raised in Greenwood. Kay attended St. Mary’s Academy in Prairie du Chien freshman through her junior year, and she graduated from Greenwood High School in 1966.
On October 5, 1968, Kay was united in marriage to her beloved Ronald O’Brien at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greenwood. They soon moved to Rockford, Ill., where Ron worked as a mechanic, soon having two children, Chad and Cara. In 1972 they moved back to the central Wisconsin area, close to their families and have lived in Marshfield ever since.
Kay handled the finances for O’Brien Skelly Station and O’Brien Automotive, a business she co-owned and operated alongside her husband, Ron, following her early career at The Photo Shop and Zwecks Jewelry. After retiring from the family business, she successfully transitioned back into retail at Younkers, where her genuine passion for helping people made sales a natural fit. Following the closure of Younkers, she continued her career with the Mueller Local phone book, selling advertising and building strong community ties by frequently patronizing the local businesses she encountered until her final retirement.
Kay was a member of Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church for over 45 years. Over the years, she generously shared her talents with numerous community fundraisers, such as Plum Pudding for House of the Dove, Alpine Holiday, and the McMillan Fire Department Fall Festival. She shared her time, creativity, and unique styling talents to elevate weddings, graduations, and birthday parties. The time and energy she dedicated to these events clearly reflected her deep passion and compassion for others.
She enjoyed using her hands and her problem-solving mind to lift the burdens of the people she loved. She enjoyed mending what was broken, whether it was a torn piece of clothing, a piece of furniture, or a heavy heart. She spent countless hours making each of the grandchildren T-shirt quilts for their graduation.
She was guided by the Catholic faith that never wavered, she cherished her time at Mass and found strength in praying the Rosary. At the heart of everything she did, she loved spending time with her family and her seven beloved grandchildren. Whether she was cheering them on at their sports games and recitals, celebrating holidays and birthdays, or simply hosting a comforting roast dinner on any random weeknight, she was always happiest when surrounded by the people she loved most.
Kay is lovingly survived by her husband, Ron; son, Chad (Stephanie) and grandchildren: Lilly, Sofia and Evalyn of Marshfield; daughter, Cara (Dan) Drexler and grandchildren: Jacob, Emmanuel, Gavin and Grace of Stratford. She is further survived by her sisters: Loraine Adams of Dayton, Ohio, and Rita (Joe) Platt of North Wales, Penn.; brother Ralph Klinke Carson City, Nev., sisters-in-law: Hedwig Bauer (Klinke), Loyal, Becky O’Brien, Madison, Pat (William) Lindner, Greenwood, and Jewell O’Brien Marshfield, and brothers-in-law: James Barrett, Naples, Fla., and Wayne O’Brien Marshfield, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents, her in-laws, James and Lila O’Brien; siblings: Frank Klinke, Alvin (Florence) Klinke, Charles Adams, Lucille (Howard) Bantz, Jean (Gene) Wolstenhome, Alberta Klinke, Neal Klinke, Ronald Klinke, Claretta Klinke, and Karen Barrett; in-laws: Kathleen (Herbert) Rueth, Jan Klinke, James (Patricia) O’Brien, Richard O’Brien, and Nancy O’Brien.
The family wishes to express profound gratitude to the staff at Marshfield Medical Center MICU and Palliative Care unit for the care and compassion so eloquently given to us.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to express sympathy are encouraged to make a donation to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 'in memory of Kay.'
Online condolences may be made at www.hansenschillingfuneralhome.com for your convenience.
PAID OBITUARY 189547
