Karen Sue (Barr) O’Brien
LiveSTRONG, LoveSTRONG
Thank you for your service
Karen served in the armed forces. We honor that service here.
Karen Sue (Barr) O’Brien, 52, was called home by the Lord on Wednesday, April 9, 2014 after a 7.5 year battle with breast cancer.
Karen, daughter of Rev Joe (recently deceased) and Liz Barr, was raised in and graduated from Minden High School and Kearney State College in Nebraska. She later earned her Masters of Business Administration from Chaminade University in Honolulu Hawaii.
Karen was a George C. Marshall ROTC scholarship award winner and served in the United States Army Field Artillery, rising to the rank of Captain. A graduate of the US Army’s airborne school, Karen stood out as one of the very few female combat arms officers who were awarded the Honorable Order of St. Barbara. Upon transition to civilian industry, Karen worked at Texas Instruments, GTE, and Raytheon Missile Systems in various business management assignments. She was recognized for Quality Excellence in every assignment in each of these companies.
Karen’s most prized job description in life was that of Mom. As the loving mother of Keara, Keely, and Sean; Karen and her husband John raised three amazing children and actively participated in their education and spiritual growth. While Karen’s time on Earth was cut way too short, our world will be forever better because of Karen’s legacy she leaves in these three young people and all those whom she influenced.
Survived by beloved husband, John, of 27 years; daughters Keara, Keely, and son Sean; Mother Elizabeth, sisters Mary Beth (Bob Reiser), Cindy (Dave McNair), brothers Bob (Barb) and Bill; as well as many other loving relatives and friends.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus
Philippians 4:6-7
A celebration of life “Luau” service will be held at 4 PM on April 23, 2014 at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Tucson AZ. Aloha attire is appropriate. A visitation will be held on Friday, April 25, 2014 from 5:30 – 7:30 PM at Mission Creek Presbyterian Church in Liberty Nebraska. A memorial service will be conducted on Saturday April 26, 2014 at 11:00 AM at United Presbyterian Church in Wymore, NE.
The world Karen knew
Family milestones in gold, history for context
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