Charlene A. O'Brien

Charlene A. O’Brien, 92, embraced in the loving arms of her family, was accompanied by angels to her heavenly home on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. She was born in Superior, August 20, 1931, to Charles and Fannie (Daly) Heirman.

Named for her father, Charlene was the fourth daughter of the “Heirman Girls”. Not only sisters but best friends, Jean, Kathlyn, Mary (Marie), and Charlene supported each other, their families, and friends. Nicknamed “Buzzy” for her gift of gab, she never met a stranger, only friends she didn’t know yet. When the four got together, it was always filled with fun, laughter, and love. Many Sundays, holidays, and special events were shared and celebrated by all the family, “Heirman Girl” style.

Charlene was united in marriage to Dale O’Brien on May 31st, 1952. They celebrated sixty-seven years of love before his passing on April 8, 2020. She was a long-time member of St. Francis Xavier Church and made wonderful memories with Dale on trips with the St. Francis Travel Club. They also enjoyed their cabin at Lake of the Woods in Solon Springs.

Charlene worked throughout her life as a bookkeeper. She was employed by Wisconsin Bell, Murphy Oil, and Younkers. Charlene was known as an honest and loyal employee; with many remarking she could be trusted with the keys to Fort Knox.

Charlene was a member of the St. Francis Xavier Altar Society, Belgian Club, and the Superior Elks Lodge #403. She enjoyed shopping, knitting, crocheting, and quilting. She was a charter member of the Pieceful Quilters and valued their loving support and friendship.

Charlene loved her family and was always willing to help where needed. There were many calls to “Mom/Grandma” to solicit advice, seek support, make a quilt/afghan for a special event, or share a recipe. She was proud of her family and gave freely of her time, talents, and especially, her love.

Charlene will be missed and loved eternally by those who survive: her children, Catherine (Rod) Anderson, Osseo, WI, David (Becky) O’Brien, Cloquet, MN, John (Tammy) O’Brien, Iron River, WI, and Melissa (Jeff) Owsley, Lake Elmo, MN; grandchildren, Rebecca (Pete) Andersen, Caitlin (Chance) Prigge, Alyssa (Greg) Basthemer, Lindsy (Angie) Mason, Kelly (Tim) Beaster, Sean O’Brien, and Nickolas and Delaney Owsley; great-grandchildren, Peder and Katharine Andersen, Oscar and Eleanor Prigge, Bennet, Griffyn and Keeton Basthemer, Eli Mason, and Kimball and Crosby Beaster; many nieces and nephews; and her special pup, Nitro. Greeting her in Heaven are her husband, Dale, her infant son, Tracy O’Brien; her parents; and her partners in crime, her sisters.

The family wishes to thank the Diamond Willow Assisted Living (Proctor, MN) staff/residents and St. Croix Hospice staff for their loving and supportive care to both Charlene and her family.

Visitation begins at 10:00 AM, Saturday, September 16, 2023, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 2316 E. 4th Street, Superior, followed by an 11:00 Mass of Christian Burial with Rev. Fr. James Tobolski as celebrant. Interment will be in St. Francis Cemetery.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5th Street, Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit our website at www.lenroot-maetzold.com.