Obit: O'Bryan, Joseph C. (1905 - 2001)

Contact: Linda Mertens
Email: mertens@wiclarkcountyhistory.org


Surnames: O'Bryan, Ingebrand, Kennedy, Reichert, Hager, McMindes


---Source - Helen Johnson's Scrapbook


Joseph O'Bryan (31 Oct 1905 - 7 Feb 2001)

Joseph Carter O'Bryan, born October 31, 1905, died February 7, 2001. Joe, or "Mr. O'Bryan" as he was called by many, was born in St. Paul, MN, the son of Thomas Carter O'Bryan and Margaret Ingebrand O'Bryan. He was the fourth of five children, with two brothers and two sisters, all of whom preceded him in death. He attended grade school at the Cathedral School of St. Paul, high school at St. Thomas Military Academy in St. Paul and the Minneapolis School of Art (now the Minneapolis College of Art and Design). Following art school, Joe painted, did design work and created puppets, presenting puppet shows throughout the midwest area. He moved to Westboro in 1945 and began giving art lessons to individuals in the surrounding communities.

He encouraged and brought forth talent from many who attended his classes. Toward the end of his career, Joe moved to Medford and continued his art classes until two years ago. He felt responsibility to share his God-given talent. He leaves many students and friends who will smile in his memories.

Survived by nieces and nephews: Suzy (Larry) Kennedy, Judy (Tom) Reichert, James (Marie) Hager, George (Diane) O'Bryan, Patricia (John) McMindes, Maureen O'Bryan and Thomas O'Bryan, also by grandnieces and grandnephews who loved him dearly. Your beautiful paintings are a lasting memorial, Uncle Joe.

A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, March 10 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 424 W. Cedar St. (at Washington Ave.), Medford. Private inurnment will take place at St. Ann's Cemetery in the Town of Greenwood.

In lieu of flowers, Joe would have preferred memorials be given to Holy Rosary Catholic School Capital Campaign.

Sincere thanks are extended for the care and support of the 2nd floor LTC staff of Memorial Health Center.