Joseph Duane O’Brien, 80, passed away on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 28, 2024, following a brief illness, at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.
Joe was born in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Oct. 24, 1944, to Rose and Joseph “Duane” O’Brien. He and his little brother, Tom, were raised in Battle Creek, Mich., and grew up in the Catholic faith.
He served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam and was honorably discharged. Joe graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in engineering. Being extremely intelligent and motivated, he earned his MBA and a second master’s degree in economics from the University of St. Francis while working as a packaging engineer at Zimmer. He was a member of the Warsaw Elks Club, American Legion Post #49, the Masonic Lodge, the Shriner’s and the Scottish Rite.
While education was important to Joe, nothing was more important to him than his daughter, Jennifer; son-in-law, Brooks; and especially his three grandsons: Grant, Tate and Jack. Oh, and the family three-legged Maltese, Bella.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Tom, in September of 2023.
A private family burial service took place in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw, where he was laid to rest by his best friend, Linda O’Brien, who passed away 21 years ago.
The McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw, was entrusted with the care of Joe and his family.
To sign the guestbook or send a condolence to the family, please visit www.mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com.