Irene M. O'Brien

Irene M. O’Brien, 80 of Devils Lake formerly of Cato Township, rural Devils Lake passed away on Sunday morning, September 11, 2011 at her home in Devils Lake surrounded by devoted family, in their care and the care of Mercy Hospice. Mass of Christian Burial for Irene will be held on Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake, ND. Fr. Jason Asselin will celebrate the Mass and burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Thursday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Serving as Casket Bearers for Irene will be her grandsons Chris O’Brien, Eric O’Brien, Nick O’Brien, Kyle O’Brien, John Faircloth, Garrett Faircloth, Andrew Berg, Mathew Berg and Christian Hanson. Music will be provided by Jodi Kurtz. Irene was born at home in the rural Crary area on March 20, 1931, the daughter of Julius and Mary (Schwan) Schafer Sr. She attended Noonan Township School. Irene was united in marriage to Jack O’Brien on April 25, 1949. They established their home in Cato Township. Irene worked for the Ramsey County Social Services for a number of years. Irene was one of the first members of the local Homemakers Club. Irene and Jack were very active in the 4-H Club in Ramsey County. Irene was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Altar Society. Surviving family members include Irene’s children: Val Bennett of Edmore, ND, Coral and her husband Allen Berg of Johnstown, ND, John O’Brien and his wife Pam of Webster, ND and Mike O’Brien and his wife Denise of Bismarck, ND; Thirteen Grandchildren; Ten Great Grandchildren; brother Julius Schafer and his wife Marcella of Devils Lake; sisters Maryellen and her husband Bob Koelker of Seattle, Washington, Veronica Jaeger of Fargo, ND and Agnes and her husband Jim Schindele of Stephen, MN; many nieces, nephews and their families also survive. Irene was preceded in death by her parents; husband Jack in 2004; her son Tom in 1988 and an infant son in 1960; sister Katherine Sink; brothers Melvin Schafer and Leo Schafer.