Louis B. O'Brien

Louis B. O’Brien, 85 of Devils Lake formerly of Valley City, ND passed away on Monday, August 5, 2019 at Villa Maria Care Center in Fargo, ND.

Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with the Very Reverend C.F. Wilhelm celebrating the Mass. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Monday, August 12^th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m.   The Rosary will be led by the Knights of Columbus with a 4^th Degree Honor Guard.  Reverend Mr. Ken Severinson, Deacon will officiate the Vigil Service.  Visitation on Tuesday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. 

Graveside Services will be held on Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, rural Mandan with Military Honors accorded by the North Dakota Army National Guard.

Memorials may be directed to the St. Joseph School Learning and Resource Center Fund.

Louis Bernard O’Brien, one of twins born on May 11, 1934 in Sanborn, ND to Augusta (Mortenson) and Joseph O’Brien Sr. He grew up on the family farm in the Eckelson and Valley City, ND area.  He attended catholic school in Valley City and graduated from St. Catherine's Catholic High School. 

Louis enlisted in the North Dakota Army National Guard and served with the 141^st Engineer Combat Battalion at Valley City.  He served as a Supply Specialist and Combat Engineer Senior Sergeant and at his retirement on January 1, 1986, after 32 years, Louis was the Command Sergeant Major for the North Dakota Guard.  Louis served with honor and dedication and was the recipient of many commendations, citations and medals. 

In 1968, Louis moved to Devils Lake, ND and had a 38 year career with the North Dakota Department of Transportation. His training in the National Guard made him a valuable member of the Construction Engineering Department of the DOT. 

Louis was united in marriage to (Mary Elice) Marie Selzler in 1976 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fargo. They established their home in Devils Lake where they lived, worked and raised their son. 

Louis was an active member and gave service to his community, his church and his country. He enjoyed membership in the Eagles and Elks Lodges.  He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus, holding many offices in the organization including Grand Knight and taking on the duties for the KC Honor Guard for many years.  He and Marie were faithful to weekly Eucharistic Adoration.  Louis was instrumental in the formation of the AMVETS and he was active in the National Guard Enlisted Association. 

When Louis found the time, he loved to go home to the family farm and help his brothers with the duties of farming. He enjoyed the outdoors, yard work and gardening. 

Louis never wavered in his love for his Lord, his country and his family. He worked hard to bring honor to any task he was called to do, but was very humble when given accolades for his accomplishments.  He was so loved and will be greatly missed.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Louis is survived by his wife Marie; son Kevin and his wife April and their son and Louis’s grandson Aiden of Grand Forks, ND; brothers James O’Brien, Valley City, Dale (Carolyn) O’Brien, Gilbert, AZ, Dennis (Janet) O’Brien, Marion, Iowa, Lloyd O’Brien, Westchester, IL; sisters Lillian (Edward) Moug, Mesa,AZ and Mary Emke, Ankeny, Iowa; three brothers-in-law and many nieces, nephews and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers infant brother Lawrence, Joseph Jr., Francis, Maurice, Charles and Earl O’Brien; sisters Alice Widmer and his twin sister Lucy Lockwwod and nephews John O’Brien and Ronald O’Brien.

Casket Bearers will be Jeremy O’Brien, Diana Larson, Larry O’Brien, Stephanie Moug, Bill O’Brien, Richard O’Brien, Neil Widmer and Brent Westby. Reading Scripture will be Brenda Moritz and bringing of the Eucharistic gifts will be Danny and Casey Triebold and their sons Gavin and Konnor.